BYD leads as Chinese automotive brands gain global media momentum, finds CARMA
Chinese carmakers are reshaping media and consumer perceptions through innovation, value and rapid product development, with BYD driving the strongest positive coverage.
A new analysis from media intelligence firm CARMA has highlighted a growing wave of global media momentum behind Chinese automotive brands, with BYD emerging as the standout performer.
The report found that innovation, strategic partnerships and competitive pricing are enabling Chinese manufacturers to challenge established players and reshape the global automotive narrative.
The research, which analysed 12,000 articles across 15 global markets, found that 66% of UK media coverage around Chinese brands portrayed innovation positively. Among Chinese vehicle owners, 80% said their cars featured cutting-edge technology.
According to the US-based Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Chinese brands are now launching new models 30% faster than rivals.
Pricing coverage also trended positively. Despite some critical attention around price competition between BYD and Tesla, Chinese brands were generally praised for affordability and value.
BYD contributed 41% of all positive coverage about Chinese brands and was mentioned in over 1,100 articles focused on innovation, more than double the volume of Geely or Xpeng.
“Chinese brands have matured dramatically, and the media is taking notice,” said Jennifer Sanchis, senior insights consultant at CARMA. “Journalists are echoing the sentiments of today’s consumers: these vehicles are smart, well-built and competitively priced.”
Battery electric vehicles dominated coverage during the research period, driven by tariffs and global pricing debates. BYD’s production of its 9 millionth new energy vehicle in September was widely reported.
Other topics included the role of social platforms like TikTok and YouTube in promoting EVs and rising concerns over tariffs from the EU, which contributed to a degree of UK media scepticism.
Despite this, the overall trajectory was positive, particularly for BYD. “Our analysis revealed that Chinese automotive brands have gained confidence around the globe,” added Sanchis. “Positive sentiment on ‘the rise of Chinese brands’ is a result of BYD’s success, rather than strong industry-wide performance.”
