British authorities have expressed concerns regarding potential cyber threats from vehicles manufactured in China. However, Chinese automakers are also addressing security issues related to vehicle theft in the UK. Insurers have advised these manufacturers to implement significant enhancements, including stronger locking mechanisms, due to the high rate of car thefts in Britain, which averages 11 incidents per hour.
In the UK, car crime occurs at a much higher rate than in China, where strict regulation leads to comparatively low instances of vehicle theft. Consequently, Chinese manufacturers are adapting to local expectations and requirements. Enhancements being made to cars exported from China include mechanical modifications, such as lockable wheel nuts and reinforced door locks, as well as software solutions designed to prevent unauthorized access.
Sales of Chinese vehicles have surged in the UK, accounting for about one in 12 of all new cars sold. This includes brands like MG and electric car manufacturer BYD, alongside new entrants such as Chery, which introduced its own petrol SUVs recently. As part of the import process, new models undergo risk assessments, including a two-minute “attack test” to evaluate their vulnerability to theft.
Ben Townsend from Thatcham Research noted that the types of vehicle crimes experienced in the UK differ significantly from those in China, leading to a historical lack of emphasis on specific anti-theft features among Chinese manufacturers. He pointed out that many of the recommended security enhancements can be integrated into existing vehicle designs without extensive structural changes.
Chery and BYD’s efforts to enhance vehicle security have reportedly been responsive, with modifications easily integrated into their production processes. Chinese manufacturers are familiarizing themselves with the UK’s stringent safety and security standards, a challenge previously faced by Korean and Japanese automakers.
In the most recent statistics, total vehicle theft in England and Wales reached 102,000 incidents within a year. Meanwhile, data on car crime in China is less accessible and often deemed unreliable. The Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s most stolen vehicle, with over 4,000 reported thefts last year.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/14/chinese-carmakers-told-improve-locking-devices-uk-market