We summarize key developments following a Bloomberg report that Chinese brands surpassed Japanese brands in European new-car registrations for July-September for the first time, including trends at BYD and Chery Automobile, JAECOO 7 taking the top spot in the UK, and the growing share of hybrids in Europe.
Chinese brands reportedly surpassed Japanese brands in European new-car registrations for July-September for the first time on a quarterly basis. Hybrids were also cited as having driven the market, and the report compares developments at several companies.
In the UK, the Chery Automobile-affiliated SUV JAECOO 7 ranked first by model registrations in September, while BYD's UK new-car registrations rose substantially on a cumulative basis from January to September. The momentum of BYD's brand as a whole is also highlighted.
EU-wide data showed that hybrids accounted for 36.3% of new-car registrations in January-September 2026, followed by plug-in hybrids at 10.1% and BEVs at 22.7%. Chinese brands also increased their share of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid markets.
On the production front, Leapmotor began producing its B10 BEV in Zaragoza, Spain, as an example of a Chinese brand beginning production in Europe. Going forward, production locations and the development of different powertrain types are expected to be focal points of competition.