Chinese EV Makers Hit Record 10.7% Share of Western Europe in Q2 2026

Chinese automakers captured a record 10.7% of the Western European retail market across 18 countries in the second quarter of 2026, up from 5.7% a year earlier, according to Schmidt Automotive Research. Tesla's share rose to 2.6% from 1.7%, helping total U.S. brands hold at 6.5%. BYD delivered 91,500 vehicles in Western Europe in Q2 and took a 2.8% share, overtaking Tesla and MG. Combined, Chinese brands and Tesla accounted for 13.3% of the region's new-car market, versus just 0.1% a decade ago. The shift comes as Chinese makers localize production — Geely agreed to buy a 34% stake in a former Ford plant in Spain for €221 million, while Leapmotor deepened its Stellantis partnership. Western European passenger registrations hit 6.44 million in H1, up 5.9%, the best since 2019.