How Did Omoda and Jaecoo Break UK Sales Records So Quickly?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the UK car market, you might have noticed two names popping up everywhere lately: Omoda and Jaecoo. These Chinese sibling brands, both under the Chery umbrella, have pulled off something remarkable. In less than a year, they’ve captured a 1.6% market share—something it took Hyundai 24 years and Kia 15 years to achieve. For context, even Tesla, with all its buzz, needed a full decade to hit that milestone in the UK.
So, what’s behind this meteoric rise? Let’s dig into the real reasons Omoda and Jaecoo have become the talk of the town—and what it means for the future of car buying in Britain.
What’s Driving the Sudden Popularity of These Brands?
It’s not just luck or timing. Omoda and Jaecoo have outsold established names like Citroën, Suzuki, Dacia, Fiat, and Honda, and in July alone, their combined market share hit a whopping 2.7%. That’s ahead of big players like Renault, Mazda, and even Tesla.
A big part of their success comes down to focus. Despite having just two main models—the Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7, both compact SUVs—they’ve managed to appeal to a broad slice of the market. The secret? Smart product planning and a laser focus on what UK buyers actually want.
How Did Omoda and Jaecoo Build Their UK Presence So Fast?
Most new brands tiptoe into a new market, building awareness before signing up dealers. Not these two. Omoda and Jaecoo moved quickly, taking advantage of shifts in the UK’s dealership landscape. With some established brands downsizing or stuck in product limbo, Omoda and Jaecoo swooped in and signed up dealers eager for fresh opportunities.
Their approach was refreshingly simple: minimal corporate identity requirements. Dealers could rebrand their showrooms with little fuss or cost. By July 2025, they’d already built a network of 81 dealers across the UK. This meant customers could actually see, touch, and test-drive the cars—something that’s still a stumbling block for many new entrants.
What Makes Their Cars Stand Out for UK Buyers?
Let’s be honest: price matters. The Omoda 5 starts at £23,990, offering the space of a Nissan Qashqai for the price of a smaller Juke. The Jaecoo E5, an electric SUV, undercuts rivals like the Kia EV3 by thousands of pounds, even with similar battery size and performance.
But it’s not just about being cheap. These cars come loaded with tech—think 540-degree panoramic cameras and app-based remote control—features you’d usually pay extra for elsewhere. In a world where gadgets matter, that’s a big draw.
They’ve also been smart about powertrains. Whether you want petrol, electric, or plug-in hybrid, there’s something in the lineup. The Jaecoo 7 SHS, for example, has become the UK’s third-best-selling plug-in hybrid, with 6,498 sales by July 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Interestingly, private buyers are snapping up these PHEVs at a slightly higher rate than fleet buyers—a sign that the appeal goes beyond just company car tax savings.
How Are Omoda and Jaecoo Responding to Customer Feedback?
One thing that sets these brands apart is their willingness to listen—and adapt—at lightning speed. In China, carmakers are used to rapid product cycles and fierce competition. That mindset has carried over to the UK.
Take the Omoda 5. Less than a year after launch, it’s already been updated to address customer concerns. Faster charging, more range, improved ride and handling, and a bigger boot (thanks to ditching the full-size spare tyre)—all based on real-world feedback. Even small gripes, like poor DAB radio performance (a non-issue in China, where streaming rules), are being tackled head-on.
Of course, this rapid-fire approach isn’t without its challenges. The UK market is used to slower, three-year update cycles, which can make things tricky when it comes to residual values and insurance codes. But for buyers, it means you’re getting a car that’s constantly improving.
Are Omoda and Jaecoo Sacrificing Profit for Market Share?
It’s a fair question. With such aggressive pricing and rapid expansion, are these brands making money? Chery, their parent company, was globally profitable in early 2024, according to its financial reports. In the UK, the company claims it’s not having to slash prices or offer big discounts on petrol and hybrid models—thanks to strong demand and keen pricing from the start.
Electric vehicles are a different story. The EV market is brutally competitive, and to keep the Omoda E5 attractive, the company is matching the UK government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant, bringing the price below £30,000. It’s a tough space, but they’re clearly willing to fight for every sale.
What’s Next for Omoda and Jaecoo in the UK?
The real test comes after the initial buzz. Can they keep customers happy, maintain strong used car values, and ensure a steady supply of parts? That’s the challenge every new brand faces.
New models are on the way, like the stylish Omoda 7 and the larger Jaecoo 8 SUVs. There’s also talk of launching Chery’s own-brand SUVs and even a youth-focused Lepas brand. But with all these SUVs under one corporate roof, there’s a risk of cannibalising sales. The company will need to tread carefully to keep its brands distinct.
What Does This Mean for the UK Car Market?
If you’re an established brand, the rise of Omoda and Jaecoo is a wake-up call. The days when it took decades to become a household name are over. With the right mix of value, tech, and agility, newcomers can shake up the market in record time.
For buyers, it’s great news. More choice, better value, and cars that actually respond to your feedback. It’s a reminder that the car market is changing fast—and those who listen and adapt will come out on top.
The bottom line? Omoda and Jaecoo’s rapid success isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of smart strategy, relentless focus on the customer, and a willingness to move faster than the competition. If you’re shopping for a new car, it might be time to give these new names a closer look. The old rules no longer apply—and that’s good news for all of us.