A recent survey by Santander Consumer Multirent reveals a growing interest among Poles in purchasing Chinese cars, provided the price is attractive. According to the survey, six out of ten respondents would consider buying a Chinese car if it offered a competitive price. This interest has translated into significant sales, with nearly 10,600 passenger and commercial vehicles from Chinese brands registered in Poland between January and May 2024, as reported by the Motor Market Research Institute Samar and cited by “Puls Biznesu”.
The primary factor driving this interest is affordability, with 60% of respondents citing attractive pricing as a key motivator. This factor is particularly crucial for men (64%) compared to women (53%). Good equipment and modern technology are also significant considerations, with 28% of respondents valuing well-equipped vehicles and 25% appreciating advanced technologies. These aspects are especially important for individuals over 60 years old and those earning over 7,000 PLN per month, respectively.
However, awareness of Chinese car brands remains relatively low, with 52% of Poles not recognizing these brands. The survey highlighted that brand recognition is higher among men (42%) compared to women (63%). MG, Maxus, and BYD are the most well-known brands, while Seres, Omoda, and BAIC are less familiar to Polish consumers.
Interestingly, the report points out that the highest awareness of Chinese brands is among thirty-somethings, who are both open to innovation and have substantial consumer experience. In contrast, individuals aged 50 to 59 show the least awareness. Agnieszka Gawlik from Santander Consumer Multirent suggests that this trend will likely shift as Chinese vehicles become more popular in the market.
The report also indicates that the origin of the vehicle impacts its perception, with 47% of respondents wary due to a lack of trust in Chinese products. This skepticism is more pronounced among those earning up to 3,000 PLN, with 71% expressing distrust. Concerns about quality, availability of spare parts, and the lack of European safety tests further deter potential buyers.
Despite these reservations, Chinese cars are making inroads in the Polish market. Data shows that they accounted for over 4% of the market share as of May 2024. Volvo, owned by the Chinese conglomerate Geely, plays a significant role in this success, with over 8,300 units registered, comprising 79% of the Chinese car market in Poland. MG follows with 1,900 units, while BAIC has registered 274 vehicles.
The majority of these registrations (63%) are by companies, with the average price of Chinese vehicles being just over 227,100 PLN. The Volvo XC60 is the most popular Chinese model in Poland, followed by the XC40 and XC90.
As Chinese brands continue to establish their presence, the Polish automotive market is poised for a transformation, driven by competitive pricing and technological advancements.