Chinese expansion - Derry Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley
The Chinese car invasion long talked about has accelerated in recent months with established brands such as MG demonstrating the Eastern dominance to the more recent arrivals. MG Motor UK has delivered its best-ever August sales performance, accounting for 4,960 vehicles and securing a market share of 5.26% – its highest monthly market share of 2026 – taking the brand into third place in UK sales rankings for the month.
The latest figures extend an exceptional run for MG, with the brand achieving consecutive record-breaking monthly performances from April through to August. Year-to-date sales have reached 60,904 vehicles – up from 50,817 vehicles sold in the same period of 2025.
The MG HS was a major contributor to August’s success, finishing the month as the UK’s third best-selling car. It is also the sixth best-selling car in the UK year-to-date, underlining the model’s broad appeal to customers seeking an SUV with multi-powertrain options. These include Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
After celebrating a successful first year in the UK, Chery has announced four new and refreshed models due for release over the next 12 months, including its first all-electric vehicle.
Since first going on sale in August 2025, the company has racked up more than 29,000 registrations and achieved a market share of more than 2.5%, overtaking several long-established brands.
Electrification is at the heart of this strategy which will see Chery launch its first all-electric vehicle in the UK. Alongside this will be enhancements to the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system currently offered across the full line-up of TIGGO 4, 7, 8, and 9, which will include larger battery packs offering more electric-range and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
The all-new AION UT electric compact hatchback has just been launched here with a pair of tempting launch offers. For the September launch month only, the B-segment newcomer will be available with a PCP offer from £349 per month with 0% APR . This offer is available with a customer deposit of £1,949, which includes an AION deposit contribution of £500 for all retail customers who take a test drive and place an order this month.
The AION UT is the brand’s second model to arrive in the UK, following the launch of the AION V electric SUV in the Spring. Priced from £28,950 OTR, the supermini carries a specification associated with larger vehicles at a much higher price point. This includes a class-leading 268-mile range (WLTP Combined), with 30–80% rapid charging in 24 minutes.
The model comes with an eight-year warranty, eight years of servicing, eight years’ roadside assistance and MOT until the car is eight years old – all tied to the VIN and is fully transferable to future owners.
LEPAS has confirmed full UK specification for the new L6 EV, an all-electric C-segment SUV joining its flagship L8 PHEV. Customers can choose between two well equipped options each with a phosphate (LFP) battery and front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW (217PS) and 275Nm of torque. Performance offers acceleration from 0–62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 111mph. Given range is 279-mile (WLTP) and when charging is needed, the 120kW DC capability provides a 30–80 per cent charge in approximately 22 minutes.