From lower running costs to advanced technology, could Chinese brands be the smart choice for today’s taxi drivers?
The UK car market is constantly evolving. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a huge shift in gears towards electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) as they become cheaper to run, and the country is urged to reduce harmful emissions. But a recent change is that Chinese car brands are beginning to dominate UK roads.
You might have seen brands like JAECOO and Chery popping up in dealerships and online stores. Boasting stylish designs, spacious interiors and unique AI features, Chinese vehicles are seamlessly blending into the UK and surging in popularity. Offering hybrid and EV options, they’re appealing to everyone from office commuters to taxi drivers. As it stands, BYD is the best-selling EV brand in the UK, with brands like Chery not far behind, but could you see yourself switching to a Chinese taxi one day?
What makes Chinese vehicles special?
China is known for its innovative technology and unmatched speeds of production, and its cars are no exception. Employing designers from renowned brands like Audi and Mercedes, these vehicles are immediately eye-catching, and the modern styling carries through to the interiors too. On top of the low price points, many Chinese brands offer compelling features such as MG’s seven-year warranties and the JAECOO 7’s 540-degree camera. With features that appeal to all types of drivers, these brands are spicing up the competition in ways that can’t be ignored.
But how have they become such a strong contender on the UK market so quickly? You get cutting-edge technology, dazzling design, and a well-made vehicle all for an astonishingly low cost. In the UK, drivers are generally open-minded when it comes to new cars too, as we saw with the popularity of American brand Tesla. But that doesn’t stop people from weighing up every positive feature against its cost, and in a tough economy, especially if your vehicle is your business, it’s vital to find a car that will sustain you in the long term. On the surface, Chinese vehicles are an obvious answer for drivers looking for affordability without compromising on quality.
Our taxi vehicle guide
For a taxi driver, choosing a new vehicle isn’t a simple task. Your vehicle is essentially your office, so it needs to be comfortable, reliable and efficient. Not just for you but for your passengers too. Most drivers are looking for a vehicle with plenty of legroom, space for luggage in the boot, and sufficient air conditioning – especially during an influx of heat waves. Some of our bestsellers currently are the JAECOO 7, Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, and the MG HS PHEV, all offering optimal features for taxi drivers.
Although the best taxi vehicle differs based on the type of journeys you’re doing, whether it’s long-distance drives, going in and out of airports, or facing difficult terrain, you need to know your vehicle can always take you home at the end of your shift. And it needs to provide this security without breaking the bank, through minimal fuel or electric charging costs and easy access to repairs.
As petrol and diesel vehicles are slowly phased out, with London leading the charge, and ULEZ-style (Ultra Low Emission Zone) restrictions inevitably spread across the UK, lower-emission vehicles become a more affordable option for taxi drivers. Needing to charge an EV can have an impact on your day-to-day schedule, because you always have to plan around getting to a charging station. But in the long run, some of the best EV taxis could minimise your costs drastically and help your business to thrive.
Would a Chinese vehicle make a good taxi?
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, a Chinese brand could be a viable option. Known for their spacious interiors, high-end builds, and advanced technology, your journeys could be smoother than ever without feeling like you’ve spent your life savings. There are countless options to choose from, and the list is still growing, so you have the freedom to choose one that’s tailored to you.
It’s still early days, so you might have questions about how these vehicles will perform in the next five to 10 years, and how easy it is to carry out repairs. But with lengthy warranties, UK-based servicing and aftercare, and sourcing replacement parts becoming a lot easier, these vehicles could definitely be a worthwhile long-term investment.
The top Chinese vehicle brands
There are so many new Chinese brands succeeding in the UK that we can already narrow down the favourites. Here are a few that are getting the most attention:
Chery
China’s largest car exporter, which offers family-focussed vehicles such as SUVs at an affordable cost. See our Chery range.
JAECOO
Owned by Chery, JAECOO is a new brand expanding rapidly in the UK with its innovative hybrid and electric SUVs. See our JAECOO range.
Omoda
Another brand owned by Chery, Omoda offers premium SUVs at a not so premium price. See our Omoda range.
MG
Founded in the UK, MG is now owned by China’s SAIC Motor and creates cars combining British design elements and Chinese cutting-edge technology. See our MG range.
Impact on the UK market
The rapid growth of Chinese vehicles in the UK is unprecedented and incomparable to any other type of car. In 2025, Chinese brands accounted for nearly 10% of the UK car market – that’s almost 200,000 vehicles.
They’re primarily EVs and PHEVs, which is a huge selling point, and many are comparable in quality to EVs manufactured in the UK.
Before buying a taxi vehicle from a Chinese brand, you need to know that it’s going to be sustainable in the long run. If anything goes wrong, you need quick repairs and access to major parts, and with most UK distributors now stocking them, things are looking promising. There’s a clear commitment to ensuring these vehicles thrive in the UK, with new deals to make them in local factories within the next year. Nissan and Chery recently struck a deal to use spare capacity in Nissan’s Sunderland factory to test manufacturing. And we expect more like this to come.
Are they worth the switch?
Chinese vehicles are making a big imprint on the UK, and we’ve had strong positive feedback from customers who have opted for one as their private hire vehicle choice. If you’re on the hunt for a new high-quality, low-cost vehicle, it’s worth adding these brands to your list and staying open-minded. Keeping up to date with how they compare to historic brands, through our website and your own research, can help you make sure you’re always going in the right direction.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cab Direct sell Chinese vehicles?
Yes, we currently sell a wide range of Chinese brands including JAECOO, Chery and MG.
Are all Chinese vehicles electric?
China is becoming the world leader in electric vehicles, but some brands still do offer hybrid, petrol, and diesel options.
What’s the best EV taxi?
Some of our customers’ favourites are the JAECOO 7, Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, and the MG HS PHEV, all PHEVs offering practical features for taxi drivers. Generally, brands like BYD and Tesla are popular among taxi drivers too.