Forget the year of the snake. In the UK automotive market, 2025 belonged to JAECOO. As the brand marks its first year in the UK, JAECOO has delivered one of the most decisive debut performances seen in over a decade. Confirmed by today’s SMMT figures, that figure now sits at 33,173* from 31 January 2025 to 31 January 2026 inclusive.
Launched in January 2025 alongside the JAECOO 7 model, the brand entered the market with a clear proposition and quickly converted early interest into sustained demand, strong retail sales and growing national recognition.
That momentum is reflected in the numbers. With more than 33,000 new vehicle registrations in the last 12 months*, JAECOO became the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand the UK has seen in the past 10 years. At the heart of that success is the JAECOO 7, which finished the year as the most popular retail car in the UK this month, with over 30,100 units sold* in the brand’s first year alone. This level of performance placed JAECOO ahead of several long-established competitors, firmly embedding the brand on UK roads.
The JAECOO 7, particularly in plug-in hybrid form through the new-energy Super Hybrid System (SHS) powertrain, has played a particularly significant role in shaping the brand’s first year. Accounting for 70% of all JAECOO 7 sales in 2025, the SHS model resonated strongly with customers seeking electrified driving without compromise. Alongside the availability of a conventional ICE powertrain, the JAECOO 7 range reflects the brand’s commitment to offering variety as UK drivers navigate the transition to electrification at their own pace.
Design and specification have been equally central to JAECOO’s appeal. The brand’s distinctive waterfall grille, confident SUV proportions and considered technology offering have helped set its models apart in a competitive segment, while capable performance and a comprehensive warranty package have reinforced the sense of a complete, customer-focused proposition. This balance of design, technology and value has underpinned JAECOO’s rapid rise from newcomer to British household name over the course of 2025.
Further momentum was added through the expansion of the range with the introduction of the JAECOO 5 and the all-electric JAECOO E5, broadening the brand’s reach while retaining the same adventurous character. While the JAECOO 5 offers the same distinctive styling and capability in an ICE configuration, in compact SUV proportions, the JAECOO E5 introduced the brand’s first pure-electric option for UK customers, sitting alongside its petrol-powered sibling. Together, they reinforce JAECOO’s strategy of covering a broad range of powertrain needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Gary Lan, CEO of JAECOO UK, said: “Our first year has been about building trust through product and delivery. From the launch of the JAECOO 7 to the expansion of the range and dealer network, the focus has been on offering genuine choice, strong value, and a level of support that customers can rely on. The response from private buyers in particular has shown that this approach is resonating, and it gives us a solid foundation as we move into our second year in the UK. Establishing a brand in a single year is one thing; sustaining momentum is another. The results we’ve seen in 2025 give us confidence as we continue to invest in our products, our network, and our aftersales support, ensuring JAECOO remains competitive and relevant in an ever-evolving market.”
Industry recognition has followed that momentum. From being named Brand of the Year at the 2026 Carwow Awards to the JAECOO 7 being recognised as Best Family Car at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2025, success has come in all shapes and sizes. Beyond sales and awards, JAECOO’s growing visibility was further reflected as the brand became the most searched Chinese car brand of 2025 by Google; the term “JAECOO cars” ranked third in the UK’s top trending car searches in Google’s Year in Search 2025.
Together with sister brand OMODA UK, the brand house started 2026 strongly, representing 4.65% of the market*. Looking ahead, 2026 shows no signs of slowing for the adventure-focused marque. With continued investment planned across its UK network and further additions to the range on the horizon, JAECOO enters its second year with strong momentum and a clear sense of direction, guided throughout by its ‘Enjoy Each Moment Outdoors’ ethos.
*preliminary data, pending SMMT figures per smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations