Chinese automakers achieved another record market share in Europe last month, drawing in buyers who remain hesitant about fully electric vehicles with their more affordable hybrid options. According to data from Dataforce, brands such as BYD accounted for nearly 12% of total new car sales in the region in August.

These brands captured a quarter of all hybrid vehicle sales and one-third of the plug-in hybrid market. The data indicates that Chinese manufacturers are positioning hybrids as a bridge to full electrification, responding to ongoing consumer concerns about charging infrastructure and driving range.

Soaring fuel prices are adding significant financial strain on owners of traditional combustion-engine cars. Data from Dataforce shows that demand for battery and hybrid vehicles surged by 27% in August, offsetting a decline in petrol car sales. The overall market grew by 4.6%, supported by this surge in electrified vehicle uptake.

In the UK, more than one in five new cars sold came from Chinese brands, including Jaecoo, a subsidiary of Chery Automobile. While sales volumes in Germany remain modest, Dataforce data reveals that Chinese companies are also gaining ground in Europe's largest auto market, with their combined share reaching 6.4% in August.