As you cruise down the open road, do you ever develop a sense of curiosity upon spotting Chinese cars driving beside your car? Do questions flutter through your mind like colourful butterflies, wondering, "What car is that?" and "To which brand does it belong?" With their subtle and immaculate designs, these intriguing vehicles never fail to leave a lasting impression.
Your curiosity may also lead to ignite your interest in these Chinese cars. As these brands have undoubtedly made impressive strides in the UAE's automotive landscape and have a significant market share, they continue to face challenges on the road ahead. Competing with established international brands, meeting evolving customer expectations, and navigating regulatory requirements pose ongoing hurdles. Chinese Brands in the UAE have evolved and gotten better with time, their brands provide quality assurance. They are usually more affordable than their competitors and provide additional features than other cars within the same segment.
Top 10 Best Chinese Car brands in the UAE :
1. BAIC
BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding) is a Chinese government owned automaker, established in 1958 as the Beijing Automotive Works. It initially focused on producing commercial vehicles and later expanded its operations to manufacture passenger cars. BAIC has made significant strides in the Chinese market and has partnered with other international brands, such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz, to further expand its product portfolio and technological capabilities.
In the UAE, BAIC's presence has been steadily growing, offering a range of vehicles that embody a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional performance. In recent years, BAIC focused on producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, electric cars, and commercial vehicles, catering to the growing demands of the automobile market. BAIC's current UAE line-up features 7 cars including the BJ80, the BJ40 C and the BJ40 SE SUVs, the X7, the X55 and the X35 Compact-SUVs and the F40 Pick-up. BJ60, an upcoming SUV will soon join the line-up.
| BJ80 | 3.0-litre turbo engine | 280hp and 480Nm |
| BJ40 C | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 230hp and 380Nm |
| BJ40 SE | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 225hp and 380Nm |
| F40 Pick-up | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 235hp and 380Nm |
| X7 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 188hp and 280Nm |
| X55 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 188hp and 305Nm |
| X35 | 1.5-litre engine | 150hp and 210Nm |
2. Changan
Changan Automobile is another popular Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturer with a history spanning several decades. Founded in 1862 as a weapons manufacturer, the company later expanded into the automotive industry in 1959, becoming one of the oldest and largest car manufacturers in China.
Changan initially focused on producing commercial vehicles and trucks, providing transportation solutions to various industries. Over time, the company diversified its product range to include passenger cars and SUVs, catering to the growing demands of the Chinese auto market. Changan continues to expand its product lineup internationally with plans for further technological advancements.
Changan currently has an impressive line-up of eight cars in the UAE including the CS35 Plus compact SUV, CS85 crossover SUV, CS95 SUV, CS75 SUV, Eado Plus sedan, UNI-K SUV, UNI-T SUV and UNI-V sedan.
| CS35 Plus | 1.4-litre turbo engine | 155hp and 260Nm |
| CS85 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 233hp and 390Nm |
| CS95 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 233hp and 390Nm |
| CS75 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 233hp and 360Nm |
| Eado Plus | 1.4-litre turbo engine | 156hp and 260Nm |
| UNI-K | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 230hp and 390Nm |
| UNI-T | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 177hp and 300Nm |
| UNI-V | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 185hp and 300Nm |
3. Geely
Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has a remarkable history of growth and global expansion. The company was established in 1986 by Li Shufu in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, as a refrigerator company. In 1997, Geely shifted its focus to the car industry, becoming one of China's first privately owned automakers. Geely initially produced low-cost motorcycles and small cars, targeting the affordable segment. Later, it expanded its product lineup to include more sophisticated and higher-quality models, showcasing its commitment to improving design, safety, and technology.
In 2010, Geely acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company and became the first Chinese automaker to acquire a well-established Western automotive brand. The acquisition of Volvo Cars strengthened Geely's reputation and capabilities, providing it access to advanced safety features and engineering expertise. Since the acquisition of Volvo, Geely has continued to grow both domestically and internationally and has also made strides in the EV market, launching several electric and hybrid models. Geely's product offerings in the UAE consist of eight cars, including the Geometry C electric SUV, the Coolray mid-size SUV and the Emgrand sedan.
| Geometry C | Single electric motor | 201hp and 310Nm |
| Coolray | 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine | 172hp and 290Nm |
| Emgrand | 1.5-litre engine | 103hp and Nm |
4. BYD
BYD is a famous Chinese car brand with a primary focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy solutions. BYD stands for 'Build your dreams', the company was founded in 1995 by Wang Chuanfu in Shenzhen, China. Initially, BYD specialised in rechargeable batteries and quickly became one of the world's biggest producers of lithium-ion batteries for various applications.
BYD cars gained international recognition when Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway invested in the company in 2008, which helped bolster BYD's financial standing and global ambitions. Over the years, BYD continued to expand its portfolio, offering various electric cars, buses, trucks, and even monorails. BYD currently offers two electric cars in the UAE. BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV, whereas the HAN is an electric sedan.
| Atto 3 | Single electric motor | 201hp and 310Nm |
| HAN | Dual electric motors | 509hp and 700Nm |
5. GAC
GAC Motors is a Chinese car manufacturer held by the Chinese government. The company was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of the GAC Group. GAC Motors initially focused on producing and selling passenger cars, aiming to establish itself as a reputable Chinese carmaker.
In the early years, GAC Motors collaborated with international automakers and leveraged their expertise to enhance its product offerings and technological capabilities. Later, GAC Motors expanded its product lineup, introducing a range of sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles (EVs) to cater to different segments of the market. In 2017, GAC Motors went to the international market by participating in the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, where it unveiled several of its latest models.
GAC Motors has also been actively investing in research and development, focusing on innovative technologies such as intelligent connectivity and green mobility solutions. The brand continued to evolve and expand its presence both in China and in international markets including the UAE. GAC Motors offers a line-up of six cars in UAE including the GS3 compact SUV, the GS8 SUV, the Emkoo compact SUV, the GN6 and GN8 MPVs and the Empow sedan.
| GS3 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 135hp and 202Nm |
| GS8 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 248hp and 400Nm |
| Emkoo | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 177hp and 270Nm |
| GN6 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 171hp and 270Nm |
| GN8 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 198hp and 320Nm |
| Empow | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 168hp and 270Nm |
6. Hongqi
Hongqi, which translates to "Red Flag" in Chinese, is a prestigious automobile brand in China. It is owned by the FAW Group Corporation, one of the largest state-owned Chinese car manufacturers. The brand's history dates back to 1958 when the first Hongqi car, the CA72, was produced for the Chinese government's elite and foreign dignitaries. Initially, Hongqi cars were exclusively reserved for high-ranking officials and state guests, symbolizing China's national pride and sovereignty. These luxury sedans became a symbol of prestige and power within the country and were often used during important state events and ceremonies.
Hongqi continued to develop and produce luxury vehicles, including limousines and sedans, with a distinctive and elegant design reflecting Chinese cultural elements. Despite its exclusive beginnings, the brand gradually expanded its offerings to include more commercially available models.
In recent years, Hongqi underwent a revitalization and rebranding effort to appeal to a broader consumer base. FAW Group aims to transform Hongqi into a global luxury brand, with plans to compete on an international scale, showcasing Chinese craftsmanship and technology. Hongqi has a rich portfolio of seven cars in the UAE including H5, H7 and H9 sedans, HS5 and HS7 SUVs, E-HS9 electric SUV and E-QM5 electric sedan.
| H5 1.5T | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 166hp and 258Nm |
| H5 1.8T | 1.8-litre turbo engine | 194hp and 320Nm |
| H7 1.8T | 1.8-litre turbo engine | 185hp and 260Nm |
| H7 2.0T | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 201hp and 260Nm |
| H9 2.0T | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 241hp and 380Nm |
| H9 3.0T | 3.0-litre turbo engine | 268hp and 400Nm |
| HS5 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 221hp and 340Nm |
| HS7 2.0T | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 241hp and 380Nm |
| HS7 3.0T | 3.0-litre turbo engine | 322hp and 445Nm |
| E-HS9 | Twin-electric motor | 429hp and 600Nm |
| E-QM5 BEV | Single electric motor | 188hp and 180Nm |
7. Haval
Haval Cars is a Chinese automobile brand specializing in SUVs. It is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors Company, one of China's largest and most successful automobile manufacturers. Haval was established in 2003 and quickly gained prominence as a dedicated SUV manufacturer in the Chinese market. The brand's name "Haval" is a combination of the words "have" and "all," signifying their ambition to provide SUVs that cater to a wide range of customer needs and preferences.
Haval's early models focused on affordable SUVs with competitive features but as the demand for SUVs grew not only in China but also globally, Haval began to expand its presence internationally. In the early 2010s, Haval entered countries in Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and South America, offering a range of SUVs designed to meet the needs and preferences of different regions. Their range in UAE offers five cars including the Jolion compact SUV, the Dargo, the H6, and the H6GT SUVs, and the H9 sedan.
| Jolion | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 147hp and 210Nm |
| Dargo | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 189hp and 320Nm |
| H6 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 201hp and 320Nm |
| H9 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 215hp and 380Nm |
| H6GT | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 208hp and 325Nm |
8. Jetour
Jetour is an auto brand under the Chery Automobile, It was established in 2018 with the goal of targeting the mid-to-high-end SUV and crossover market in China. The brand was created to cater to the growing demand for stylish, feature-rich, and technologically advanced vehicles. Jetour appeals to younger and more discerning consumers who seek both practicality and aesthetics in their cars.
Despite being a relatively new brand, Jetour has been expanding its product lineup and market presence rapidly. It focuses on offering a diverse range of SUV and crossover models with competitive pricing, providing consumers with compelling choices in their segments. Jetour in UAE is represented by Elite Cars which offers a line-up of four SUVs and compact SUVs including the Dashing, the X70 range with three trims, the X70 Plus range with two trims and the X90 SUV with two trims.
| Dashing | 1.6-litre turbo engine | 194hp and 290Nm |
| X70 range | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 154hp and 230Nm |
| X70 Plus range | 1.6-litre turbo engine | 194hp and 230Nm |
| X90 Plus 1.6T | 1.6-litre turbo engine | 194hp and 230Nm |
| X90 Plus 2.0T | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 251hp and 390Nm |
9. JAC
JAC Motors, officially known as Anhui Jianghuai Automobile, is another Chinese marque headquartered in Hefei, Anhui province. The company was established in 1964 as a state-owned enterprise, initially producing commercial trucks and buses for the domestic market. In the 1990s, JAC Motors transformed from a state-owned enterprise to a publicly traded company. During this period, they diversified their product range and expanded into passenger vehicle production.
In the 2010s, JAC Motors intensified its efforts to expand internationally, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, South America, Middle East and Africa. They introduced a range of affordable and practical new cars made specifically for the needs and preferences of these regions. JAC's product range in UAE includes four cars, namely the S3 Plus compact SUV, the J7 sedan, the JS4 SUV and the M4 MPV.
| S3 Plus | 1.6-litre engine | 118hp and 150Nm |
| J7 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 150hp and 210Nm |
| JS4 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 147hp and 210Nm |
| M4 | 2.0-litre engine | 145hp and 185Nm |
10. Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is a well-known car maker specializing in producing SUVs, pickup trucks, and passenger cars. The company was founded in 1984 by Wei Jianjun in Baoding, Hebei, China. Initially, Great Wall focused on manufacturing and selling truck parts, but later the brand expanded its operations to include the production of pickups and SUVs, aiming to meet the growing demand for these vehicles in the Chinese market.
Over time, Great Wall Motors gained recognition for producing affordable and reliable SUVs and pickups, establishing itself as one of China's leading automotive manufacturers. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Great Wall started venturing into international markets, exporting its vehicles to various countries worldwide. Great Wall Motors continues to strengthen its global presence, with plans to expand its product lineup and enter new international markets. It currently offers four pick-up trucks in the UAE namely, Wingle 5, Wingle 7, POER and King Kong POER.
| Wingle 5 | 2.4-litre engine | 134hp and 205Nm |
| Wingle 7 | 2.0-litre diesel / 2.4-liter petrol | 148hp and 315Nm |
| POER | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 188hp and 360Nm |
| King Kong POER Petrol | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 194hp and 365Nm |
| King Kong POER Diesel | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 163hp and 410Nm |
Other Chinese Car brands in UAE worth mentioning!
11. Bestune
Bestune, also known as BAW Bestune, is a Chinese automotive brand under the Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC). It was established as a subsidiary of BAIC Motor Corporation in 2018. The brand's official name is "Beijing Automotive Bestune Automobile Co. Ltd.". The brand has emerged as a promising player in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dynamic automotive market. Bestune focuses on producing passenger cars and SUVs, targeting the mid-range and premium segments of the Chinese automotive market.
Bestune aims to offer modern and technologically advanced vehicles at competitive prices, catering to the preferences of Chinese consumers who seek a balance of quality, performance, and value for money. As a relatively new brand, Bestune has been expanding its product lineup, and market presence and has positioned itself as a competitive player in the auto market, leveraging the resources and expertise of its parent company, BAIC. Bestune's line-up available in the UAE includes the T77 compact SUV, T99 SUV and B70 sedan.
| T77 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 166hp and 258Nm |
| T99 | 2.0-litre engine | 221hp and 340Nm |
| B70 | 1.5-litre turbo engine | 168hp and 258Nm |
12. GWM Tank
TANK is a renowned global luxury SUV brand, with its roots in China, introduced by GWM (Great Wall Motors) in response to the ever-growing demand for SUVs worldwide. TANK exemplifies GWM's unwavering dedication to innovation, top-notch performance, and the creation of cutting-edge international products. The Chinese carmaker's formidable, all-terrain, off-road vehicles are meticulously crafted to deliver a secure, seamless, and exhilarating driving experience.
The GWM Tank sells SUVs in the UAE market and around the world. With an impressive track record of over six million units sold across more than 60 countries, TANK proudly holds the distinction of being the number one SUV brand in the world's largest market for an impressive 15 years.
| Tank 300 | 2.0-litre turbo engine | 224hp and 387Nm |
| Tank 500 | 3.0-litre V6 engine | 384hp and 500Nm |
-x-
Chinese Car companies have become a significant part of the auto sector across the Middle East. Car buyers also get easy access to these Chinese brands through their UAE dealerships, mostly located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This makes them get better year-on-year growth in terms of car sales too, that's why there are an increasing number of Chinese cars currently on the roads of the UAE. These brands also strive to compete with various established foreign car brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, Honda,
