Tag Archives: European market

News

Chery Tiggo 7 Targets Europe’s Family SUV Market with Plug-In Power and Value

The European SUV market is about to welcome a bold new competitor. The Chery Tiggo 7, a compact family SUV from China’s leading vehicle exporter, is preparing for its debut on the continent — and it’s coming in hot. With a sharp focus on value, technology, and electrified efficiency, the Tiggo 7 aims to challenge both mainstream favorites like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, as well as budget-oriented rivals such as the MG HS and the upcoming Dacia Bigster.

A Strategic Price Point

With a projected starting price of around €29,500 on the British market, the Tiggo 7 positions itself as a value-packed alternative to established names. This aggressive pricing could extend to EU markets, potentially shaking up the status quo in the highly competitive C-SUV segment.

Though Chery might not be a household name in Europe just yet, it’s no stranger to the global stage. The brand has been China’s top vehicle exporter for 22 consecutive years and has already gained traction across Europe through its sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo. Now, the parent brand steps into the spotlight under its own name.

Dimensions and Drivetrains

Measuring 4.5 meters in length, the Tiggo 7 comfortably slots into the compact SUV category. Two powertrain options will be available:

  • A 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 145 hp.
  • A plug-in hybrid dubbed the “Super Hybrid”, which looks set to be the star of the lineup.

The PHEV system pairs a 1.5-liter turbo engine, electric motor, and an 18.3 kWh battery, delivering an electric-only range of up to 90 km and a combined range of 1,200 km. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is achieved in 8.5 seconds, and CO₂ emissions are a mere 23 g/km — figures that should prove especially attractive to fleet and business buyers.

Charging is practical and quick: the battery can be replenished from 30 to 80% in just 20 minutes via fast charging, or even recharged on the go by the petrol engine. The driver can select from Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes to suit different conditions.

Trim Levels and Features

European buyers will have a choice between two trim levels: Aspire and Summit.

The entry-level Aspire trim already boasts a generous array of standard features, including:

  • Dual 12.3-inch digital displays for infotainment and instrumentation
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • LED headlights
  • 540-degree camera system with underbody view
  • Sony six-speaker audio
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Cooled wireless smartphone charging

Stepping up to the Summit trim enhances the premium feel with extras like:

  • An eight-speaker Sony system
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Hands-free electric tailgate
  • Ground lighting from door mirrors

Warranty and Future Plans

The Tiggo 7 comes with a seven-year/160,000 km warranty, with unlimited mileage for the first three years, and includes roadside assistance. The hybrid battery is separately covered for eight years, ensuring peace of mind for early adopters.

Looking ahead, Chery has confirmed plans to bring a larger, seven-seat SUV — the Tiggo 8 — to Europe as well. It will share the same plug-in hybrid system as the Tiggo 7 and target rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento. Pricing for the Tiggo 8 is yet to be announced.

Source: Chery International

News

Tesla Struggles in Europe as Rivals Gain Ground Amid EV Boom

Tesla is facing a sharp downturn in Europe, with new car registrations falling 27.9 percent in May compared to the same month last year. The figures mark the fifth consecutive month of decline for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The decline is particularly striking given the broader market trend: overall electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 27.2 percent during the same period. While EV adoption is accelerating across the continent, Tesla’s dominance is clearly waning as competition intensifies and consumer sentiment shifts.

At the heart of the issue is the Model Y, once a market leader, which is now struggling to maintain its edge. Despite a recent refresh aimed at reviving interest in Tesla’s lineup, the model no longer commands the same loyalty or appeal. In May, the Model Y was still the top-selling electric car in Europe with 10,357 registrations — but this figure represents less than half of its former performance.

Meanwhile, rivals are closing in fast. Skoda’s newly launched electric SUV, the Elroq, recorded a strong debut with 9,222 registrations in May, underscoring the increasing pressure Tesla faces from both legacy automakers and new Chinese entrants.

Overall, the European car market grew modestly by 1.9 percent in May, with the most significant growth coming from plug-in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. Yet, Tesla’s market share fell to just 1.2 percent — a steep drop from 1.8 percent a year ago.

Industry analysts suggest multiple factors are behind Tesla’s slump. Price-sensitive consumers are increasingly turning to more affordable Chinese EVs. At the same time, some buyers are reportedly turning away from the brand in protest over the controversial public persona and political stances of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The company’s position in Europe is further complicated by ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China. As traditional manufacturers and emerging brands rapidly expand their EV portfolios, Tesla must now compete on more than just innovation — it must also win back public trust and offer better value in an increasingly crowded market.

While the EV revolution in Europe shows no signs of slowing, Tesla’s role as the segment leader is far from secure.

Source: Reuters

News

Chinese Carmakers Double Market Share in Europe Amid Sales Surge

The surge of Chinese car brands in Europe continues at full throttle, with a record-breaking performance in May that underscores their growing dominance in the region’s automotive market.

According to recent figures published by Automotive News, Chinese car manufacturers have significantly expanded their footprint in Europe. In May 2025, sales soared by an impressive 85 percent compared to the same month last year, reaching a total of 60,215 units. This rapid growth translated into a 5.4 percent market share on the continent—up from just three percent in May 2024 and 4.6 percent in April this year.

This expansion comes against the backdrop of modest overall growth in the European auto market, which rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year to 1,116,095 units sold.

Among the standout performers, BYD (Build Your Dreams) posted the largest absolute sales increase. The Chinese electric vehicle giant sold 13,580 units in May—more than triple its performance from the previous year—driven largely by the success of its Seal U model, which accounted for over 7,000 of those sales.

Meanwhile, Chery led in terms of percentage growth. The company recorded a staggering 900 percent increase in sales, with 7,963 vehicles sold in May, up from just 796 units in the same month last year.

MG Motor, a subsidiary of SAIC, remains the leading Chinese brand in Europe. In May, MG saw a 27 percent increase in sales, totaling 26,855 units. The MG 3 emerged as the most popular model. Over the first five months of 2025, MG sold 126,493 vehicles, followed by BYD with 54,986 units and Chery with 29,539 units.

Chinese manufacturers have also adapted quickly to shifting market dynamics. In response to the European Union’s newly imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, many brands have pivoted toward alternative powertrains. As a result, sales of plug-in hybrid models have surged by 874 percent, while full hybrids recorded a dramatic 991 percent increase. Even sales of traditional gasoline-powered cars grew by 20 percent.

The data reflects a broader trend: Chinese automakers are no longer niche players in Europe. With competitive pricing, an expanding model range, and strategic adaptation to regulatory challenges, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the global automotive race.

Source: Automotive News