Chinese new entrants will be top used car trend of 2026, say dealers

53% of dealers surveyed say the popularity of Chinese new entrants will be the number one used car market trend of 2026
Followed by electric cars (50%) and ongoing shortages of good quality stock (38%)
Other factors include increasing dealer use of AI (37%) and buyer interest in plug-in hybrids (35%)

THE popularity of Chinese new entrants will be the number one trend in the used-car market in 2026, say dealers in the latest Starline research.

Data from January’s Startline Used Car Tracker – where 303 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned – shows more than half (53%) believe this will be a major development, followed by the continuing move to electric cars (50%) and ongoing shortages of good quality stock (38%).

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The popularity of Chinese new entrants has been very apparent in the last year or so, with increasing numbers of their cars appearing on our roads and growing UK franchise dealer networks.

“They will inevitably start to appear on the used market in higher volumes and dealers clearly believe this could have a substantial impact, probably both in terms of their appeal to buyers and the effect on the wider manufacturer sector.”

“The other significant issues mentioned here – electrification and stock shortages – are more established but no less substantial. Especially, the quantity of used electric cars available is growing and more dealers are starting to retail them successfully.”

Paul Burgess, Ceo, Startline Motor Finance Tweet

Further factors rated by respondents included increasing dealer use of AI (37%), higher buyer interest in plug-in hybrids (35%), availability of motor finance (25%) and the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate driving electric car sale targets (15%).

Paul said: “This is a diverse set of results, reflecting the wide range of issues currently facing dealers. Perhaps the most notable development is their interest in AI, with many respondents apparently believing this is a tool with much potential.

“Growing consumer interest in plug-in hybrids is also significant. Dealers increasingly view these as a stepping stone technology to full electrification for many motorists, and there is a strong expectation that demand will rise.”