US demand grows for Chinese cars despite privacy and security fears

"More than half of American car buyers would consider a Chinese car brand for their next purchase, an increase of almost 25 percent compared to last year. That's according to a survey of prospective car buyers conducted annually by the research firm AutoPacific. And yes, those car buyers are conscious of the privacy and security fears. AutoPacific spoke to 18,000 people who said they were planning to buy or lease a new car within the next three years for its 2025 Future Attribution Demand Study,"

"There has already been at least one surprise. Last year, partially automated driving systems like General Motors' Super Cruise or Ford's BlueCruise, or those developed by Tesla, were not in high demand. This year, that tech went to the top of the most-wanted list, with 43 percent of consumers saying they want hands-free partial automation. The same percentage also indicated a demand for rear automatic emergency braking. Wireless device charging, No. 1 in the list in 2024, didn't make the top 15 for 2025."

"In 2024, just 53 percent of surveyed consumers said they were familiar with Chinese cars, and only 41 percent said they would consider one. This year, 65 percent were familiar with Chinese brands, and 51 percent said they'd consider one for their next vehicle. Huawei came first among the Chinese brands, with 27 percent prepared to consider one. Xiaomi placed second (23 percent), with the Tesla-outselling BYD in third place (19 percent)."

More than half of American prospective car buyers now say they would consider a Chinese car brand for their next purchase, up nearly 25 percent year-over-year. AutoPacific surveyed 18,000 people planning to buy or lease within three years as part of its 2025 Future Attribution Demand Study. Familiarity with Chinese brands rose from 53 to 65 percent, and consideration rose from 41 to 51 percent. Huawei, Xiaomi and BYD lead consideration lists. Demand for hands-free partial automation and rear automatic emergency braking rose to 43 percent, while wireless device charging fell out of the top 15 features.

Read at Ars Technica