Chinese car brands proliferate in France as market volume shrinks

MG Motor France managing director Julien Robert said the French automotive market has lost about one‑third of its sales volume over the past decade, while the number of brands active in the country rose from 55 in 2019 to nearly 70 today – an increase of roughly 50 %. He cited the arrival of a new wave of Chinese manufacturers, including MG, BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, Leapmotor, Zeekr, Lynk & Co and Denza, as a key factor reshaping the competitive landscape. Robert warned that profitability for dealers now depends on strong performance, noting that many MG dealers are still seeking a break‑even point.

A recent guide mapping the seven Chinese marques now selling in France highlights the growing complexity for consumers, who face a dense and often confusing array of models. The guide also notes a change to France’s bonus‑écologique scheme in January 2026, which now bases incentives on a vehicle’s environmental score rather than its country of origin, causing many Chinese‑built electric cars to lose eligibility for the subsidy.