Chinese car brands are reshaping the UK market

Chinese car brands are reshaping the UK market, capturing a record market share. Competitive pricing, advanced technology, and high-value equipment have all been credited with contributing factors. In this issue, PMF speaks to the organisers of Automechanika Shanghai from Messe Frankfurt, who assess the Chinese market, how it is impacting the UK sector, and why attending this global trade fair might be worth considering.

Q. For those who may be unfamiliar with the scale of the Chinese aftermarket, how would you describe the opportunities for PMF readers available at the trade show?

A. Historically, the growth of China’s automotive industry was directly tied to new vehicle production and sales. While these remain key pillars, the market’s momentum is shifting toward vehicle ageing, an expanding used-car sector, and surging EV penetration.

Valued at approximately USD 87.4 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Automotive Aftermarket Market in China report, the aftermarket is projected to grow steadily at a rate of 9.6 percent through to 2030, a period that will be defined by the evolving products, services, and supply channels for both internal combustion engines and EVs. In fact, entirely new aftermarket service streams are forming around diagnostics, battery balancing, and thermal system maintenance. China’s extensive network of independent repair shops has also triggered a boom in e-commerce and booking apps. Today, drivers can order spare parts and schedule services online with transparent pricing. The digital shift is making vehicle maintenance predictive for car owners to self-monitor and stay ahead of repairs, maximising the lifespan of both electric and traditional combustion engine cars.

Navigating this transitioning ecosystem requires a direct connection to the industry source, which is precisely what Automechanika Shanghai provides by pulling the entire supply chain under one roof, on a national and global level. From 2 to 5 December, the trade fair will fully occupy the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai).

The fair covers manufacturing to aftermarket services under parts and components, electrics and electronics, new energy and connectivity, accessories, customising, diagnostics and repair/body and paint, and tyres and wheels. Special zones feature Innovation4Mobility, Customising x Tech, green repair, digital solutions/services, remanufacturing, and start-ups.

Q. What products, technologies or aftermarket trends are emerging in China that readers should be paying close attention to?

A. The country’s EV adoption is generating new demand patterns with growing markets for EV batteries, specialised automotive electronics, tyres, and specialised diagnostics. This hardware evolution is occurring alongside a broader structural shift, driven largely by AI+, as technology-enabled services become the new industry standard. Ultimately, these advancements are reshaping the automotive landscape, fuelling the expansion of independent aftermarket workshops and franchised repair networks.

Reflecting these industry shifts, Automechanika Shanghai’s new energy and connectivity sector has expanded by 20 percent to showcase advancements in electric powertrains, autonomous driving, embodied AI, charging infrastructure, intelligent chassis, and thermal management. Other traditional sectors are similarly upgrading to meet current and future demands with smarter, lightweight, and high-performance products. Additionally, responding to a major industrial push for circularity, the expanded remanufacturing zone focuses on emerging recycling solutions. According to the 2023 Scaling Up Reuse and Recycling of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Assessing Challenges and Policy Approaches report, 14 million EV batteries are projected to retire by 2040. The zone highlights inspection, certification, and processing standards for power batteries, motors, and electronic control systems, alongside recycling for internal combustion engine parts.

Q. How does visiting suppliers in person at the show differ from sourcing products remotely or through existing distribution channels?

A. Choosing trade fairs, like Automechanika Shanghai, primarily offers advantages in three distinct areas: direct access, operational efficiency, and cost management. The exhibition features a substantial international presence with exhibitors representing more than 40 different markets to comprehensively cover the global supply chain.

Notably, nearly half of exhibitors are set to feature products, services, and solutions for new energy vehicles. This provides early visibility into upcoming technology amidst rapid transformation, offering insight into the latest EV and ADAS diagnostic tools before they become widely available in the UK. By consolidating suppliers from every major automotive sector, the environment optimises procurement timelines as industry professionals can assess product quality in person, diversify their supply networks, and build the relationships necessary to secure long-term partners.

Q. What manufacturers and brands will attendees be able to meet, and how can those connections benefit PMF readers?

A. Attendees gain direct access to the entire automotive supply chain, spanning parts and components, diagnostics and workshop equipment, electronics and connectivity, accessories and customising, tyres and wheels, digital services, e-commerce, and alternative drive systems and fuels. Exhibitors include Astemo, BIG RED, BMTS, BorgWarner, CARXPERT, ContiTech, Corteco, Dali, Dana, Dayco, EAE, Eagle-Fly, Enoch, Hella, Hengst, JTC, Knorr-Bremse, Michelin, New SORL, OSRAM, PHINIA, Sensata, Shedrive, TecAlliance, TMD, Toyota Tsusho, Tuopu, Unite, and ZF.

Furthermore, the show strengthens global partnerships by working closely with international associations to support OEM-supplier connectivity. These partnerships include promoting industry standards, testing, and certification to ensure buyers can efficiently source or develop products that are compliant and compatible with overseas markets like the UK.

Q. With increasing pressure on margins, how can attending this global trade exhibition in China help PMF readers improve their competitiveness and profitability?

A. At a time when macroeconomic pressures are squeezing margins, events like Automechanika Shanghai are potentially more important than ever. It is essential for the industry to collectively address the challenges and opportunities emerging across different regions and markets. While strategies may vary by location, as a solution that succeeds in one market may not be suited to another, the fact that industry leaders from 190 countries and regions can gather and share firsthand experiences is vital for the long-term, sustainable development of the global automotive sector.

In this context, Automechanika Shanghai offers a window into global supply chains, particularly where Asian supply extends to all corners of the world.

Q. Beyond product sourcing, what market intelligence or industry insights can readers gain from spending time in China and attending the event?

A. The fair features an extensive lineup of concurrent events with roughly 100 conferences, technical seminars, forums, and workshops. This programme addresses global tariffs and supply chain disruptions with senior executives analysing supply chain resilience and the integration of Asian components into European markets. Crucially, the show fosters global alignment on product standards by partnering with international testing and certification bodies, allowing buyers to understand the regulatory compliance required for components. Industrial tours also offer a unique chance to go inside China’s leading new energy vehicle production.

This turns the event into a practical research and development trip that previews challenges and opportunities over the next decade. The wider and long-term perspective is balanced by immediate and practical insights. For example, the green repair area offers demonstrations on diagnostics and high-voltage repair, complemented by technical sessions on thermal management, ADAS calibration, and intelligent chassis systems.

Q. If you were speaking directly to a motor factor who is considering the trip, what would you say is the single biggest reason they should invest the time and cost to attend?

A. Trade fairs act as accelerators for business growth. Automechanika Shanghai has a proven track record as one of the most influential platforms within the global automotive sector, hosting roughly 7,600 exhibitors and an anticipated 100 concurrent events to offer value for every profile of visitor. Based on participation from 2025, approximately 250,000 visitors from 190 countries and regions present a major global meeting point, allowing UK aftermarket professionals to source new products and technologies, broaden international networks, and stay informed.

To help attendees achieve a tangible ROI, navigating this vast scale requires a highly structured environment. The exhibition is therefore meticulously planned and categorised into clear, well-defined product sectors and specialised zones, streamlining the visitor journey and making it highly efficient for professionals to locate the precise products and solutions they need.