Presence of Chinese firms growing in UK

Representatives from major Chinese companies – including BYD, JD Group, Xiaomi, and Chery – shared insights into how Chinese enterprises are expanding into global markets and adapting to local conditions.

Penny Peng, marketing and PR director at BYD Europe, said one of the biggest challenges in overseas markets is building brand awareness and establishing emotional connections with local consumers, which "requires long-term vision and determination".

BYD entered the UK market in 2013 with trial electric buses, and introduced its first passenger vehicle there in 2023. Between January and April 2026, BYD sold 12,754 electric vehicles in the UK, capturing more than 7 percent of the market share. The achievement made it the UK's best-selling EV brand during the period, putting it ahead of established names including Tesla, BMW, and Volkswagen.