Chinese cars in the US: 38% of consumers open to buying, study shows
Growing interest in Chinese cars among US consumers, especially younger buyers
Chinese cars in the US: 38% of consumers open to buying, study shows
A Cox Automotive study reveals 38% of US consumers would consider Chinese car brands, with 69% of Gen Z open to them. Price is a key driver, but reliability concerns remain.
2026-02-28T03:23:19+03:00
2026-02-28T03:23:19+03:00
2026-02-28T03:23:19+03:00
Interest in Chinese cars is slowly growing in the United States, despite existing tariff and regulatory barriers. A Cox Automotive study reveals that 38% of American consumers would consider buying a Chinese brand if such vehicles became available for sale.Younger buyers are especially open to new players. Among Generation Z, 69% said they would be willing to look at Chinese brands. Meanwhile, 40% of all respondents support their entry into the American market.BYD emerged as the most recognizable brand—35% of respondents had heard of it, but only 17% consider themselves true experts on the marque. Dealers show a more cautious stance: just 15% support allowing Chinese cars onto the market.Price remains the key factor driving interest. 68% of consumers expect Chinese cars to be cheaper than models currently available in the U.S., and 49% anticipate a favorable price-to-features ratio. However, only 32% of those surveyed feel confident about reliability.Based on a survey of 802 potential buyers, the research points to a potential niche for affordable electric vehicles. Yet future momentum will hinge on regulatory policy and the willingness of dealer networks to work with new brands.
Chinese cars, US market, consumer interest, BYD, electric vehicles, affordable EVs, Cox Automotive study, Gen Z buyers, automotive trends
2026
Michael Powers
news
Growing interest in Chinese cars among US consumers, especially younger buyers
A Cox Automotive study reveals 38% of US consumers would consider Chinese car brands, with 69% of Gen Z open to them. Price is a key driver, but reliability concerns remain.
Michael Powers, Editor
Interest in Chinese cars is slowly growing in the United States, despite existing tariff and regulatory barriers. A Cox Automotive study reveals that 38% of American consumers would consider buying a Chinese brand if such vehicles became available for sale.
Younger buyers are especially open to new players. Among Generation Z, 69% said they would be willing to look at Chinese brands. Meanwhile, 40% of all respondents support their entry into the American market.
BYD emerged as the most recognizable brand—35% of respondents had heard of it, but only 17% consider themselves true experts on the marque. Dealers show a more cautious stance: just 15% support allowing Chinese cars onto the market.
Price remains the key factor driving interest. 68% of consumers expect Chinese cars to be cheaper than models currently available in the U.S., and 49% anticipate a favorable price-to-features ratio. However, only 32% of those surveyed feel confident about reliability.
Based on a survey of 802 potential buyers, the research points to a potential niche for affordable electric vehicles. Yet future momentum will hinge on regulatory policy and the willingness of dealer networks to work with new brands.
