It’s not every day that the automotive world witnesses a changing of the guard, but that’s exactly what happened this December as Jaecoo overtook BYD in a significant milestone for the UK market. According to recent reports published on December 20, 2025, British drivers are increasingly turning to Chinese car brands, with Jaecoo now eclipsing BYD in sales—a shift that’s sending ripples through both the UK and global auto industries.
What’s fueling this surge in demand for Chinese vehicles? It appears that British consumers are actively seeking out new brands that offer distinctive design, advanced technology, and all-encompassing value. As one industry observer put it, "British consumers are actively seeking new brands that offer distinctive design, advanced technology and all-encompassing value." This appetite for innovation and affordability is driving a broader shift in UK consumer preferences, particularly toward electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Jaecoo.
While Jaecoo is making headlines in the UK, BYD is simultaneously making waves in another key market: Türkiye. The company has recorded a staggering 40,770 vehicle sales in Türkiye by the end of November 2025, representing an eye-popping 1,800% increase from just 2,137 units sold in the same period of 2024. According to figures released by BYD and reported by local media, this rapid growth has positioned BYD as the fastest-growing automotive brand in Türkiye for the year.
How did BYD achieve such remarkable success in Türkiye? The company’s strategy has centered on expanding its local lineup to nine models, with a series of high-profile launches throughout 2025. The TANG model hit Turkish roads in February, followed by the SEALION 7 and ATTO 2 in the fourth quarter. Of particular note is the SEAL U model, which became the second-most preferred SUV in Türkiye between January and November 2025. The SEAL U didn’t just win over SUV enthusiasts—it also led national rankings for plug-in hybrid sales and the D-SUV segment, further cementing BYD’s reputation for innovation and market responsiveness.
BYD Türkiye General Manager Ismail Ergun attributes much of the brand’s meteoric rise to strong early demand, which was supported by consumer expectations of future tax changes. Ergun explained that many buyers were eager to purchase vehicles that fell below the special consumption tax (SCT) threshold, making BYD’s offerings especially attractive. "As interest rates begin to decline, we expect improved access to financing for individual buyers, which should help keep demand strong," Ergun projected.
Türkiye’s overall passenger vehicle market has also been on the upswing, growing 11% year-on-year in the January–November 2025 period to reach 938,000 units. Within that total, electric vehicle sales soared to 165,000 units, accounting for 18% of the market, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) reached 42,857 units, or 5%. Combined, these new energy vehicles (NEVs) made up a robust 22.1% of all passenger car sales—an unmistakable sign of changing tastes among Turkish consumers.
Ergun highlighted that this shift toward electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles became particularly visible in 2025. He recalled, "Before 2023, electric vehicles made up only 1% of total sales, while by the end of 2024, that figure had grown to around 10%, or roughly 100,000 units." Plug-in hybrid demand also expanded rapidly, thanks in part to the SEAL U DM-i model. "Around 2,500 plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in Türkiye in 2023. This figure rose to 9,921 in 2024, thanks in part to our BYD SEAL U DM-i model. From January to November 2025, plug-in hybrid sales reached 42,857 units, taking a 5% share of the market," he said.
Looking ahead, BYD is not resting on its laurels. The company has ambitious plans for 2026, aiming to bring new models to market that fully meet the expectations of Turkish consumers and to further strengthen its "accessible premium" positioning. Ergun noted, "We also plan to expand our product variety," signaling that BYD’s approach is one of continuous innovation and adaptation to local preferences.
One of the most significant developments on the horizon is BYD’s plan to invest approximately $1 billion to establish a vehicle production facility and research and development center in Manisa, Türkiye. This plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles per year and is slated to begin operations by the end of 2026. Such a move is not only a vote of confidence in the Turkish market but also a strategic step to enhance BYD’s competitiveness in Europe and beyond.
Currently, BYD enjoys a significant advantage in Türkiye: exemption from the customs tax, which can be as high as 30% for plug-in and fully electric vehicles. This exemption stems from the company’s investment pledge and has made BYD’s models even more appealing in the domestic market, giving it a leg up over rivals still subject to the steep import tariffs.
This dual narrative—Jaecoo’s leapfrog over BYD in the UK and BYD’s explosive growth in Türkiye—reflects the dynamism and unpredictability of today’s global automotive landscape. In the UK, the rise of Jaecoo underscores the willingness of British drivers to embrace new brands that promise cutting-edge technology, style, and value, even if those names are unfamiliar. Meanwhile, in Türkiye, BYD’s success story is a testament to the power of strategic product launches, keen market insight, and the ability to capitalize on shifting consumer and regulatory trends.
Of course, these developments are not occurring in a vacuum. The broader context includes a global surge in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, driven by environmental concerns, government incentives, and rapid advances in battery and charging technology. Markets like the UK and Türkiye are at the forefront of this shift, with consumers increasingly prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and affordability in their vehicle choices.
As 2025 draws to a close, both Jaecoo and BYD stand as emblematic of the new era in automotive competition—one where agility, technological prowess, and a deep understanding of local markets are more important than ever. Whether British drivers continue to flock to Jaecoo or Turkish consumers keep BYD at the top of their shopping lists, one thing is clear: the road ahead for Chinese automakers in Europe and beyond is wide open, with plenty of twists and turns still to come.
For now, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how these brands navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2026 and beyond. The only certainty is that change, as ever, remains the only constant in this fast-moving industry.
