Chinese automakers gain competitive edge in repair costs and safety standards

Chinese automotive manufacturers are closing the gap with European competitors regarding repairability and insurance ratings. According to an analysis by the Allianz Technology Center, the insurance rating advantage held by European brands is expected to shrink from three categories in 2024 to just one by 2026. This shift is driven by more extensive service networks, better availability of spare parts, and increased mechanic familiarity with Chinese models.

In the luxury segment, a technical dispute has emerged regarding braking system safety. Independent tests conducted by the Automotive Dongchedi platform on the Maextro V800—a high-end MPV produced by a Huawei and JAC Motors collaboration—revealed structural weaknesses in the brake pedal assembly. Tests showed the pedal support failed under pressures as low as 1,612 N, falling below the Chinese national standard of 2,000 N.

In response, BYD’s luxury brand, Yangwang, has highlighted its use of ‘full metal’ steel pedal structures designed to withstand up to 2,500 N. This comparison underscores a growing competition between Chinese manufacturers focused on both cost-efficiency and high-end structural integrity.