Some 41% of people aged 55 and above have fears over data security and privacy risks when buying Chinese products, a poll has found
The surge of Chinese electric car brands into the UK market is causing data security and privacy concerns among older consumers, according to a recent survey.
The poll, commissioned by online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, revealed that 41% of individuals aged 55 and above are apprehensive about data security and privacy risks when purchasing Chinese products. Additionally, 43% of participants in the same age bracket expressed doubts about the quality of these goods.
However, the younger demographic, specifically those aged 17-34, showed the most support with 57% being drawn to factors such as innovative technology and affordability. Chinese brands like BYD, GWM and Omoda are making their mark in the UK automotive market. An Auto Trader report predicts that by 2030, Chinese companies could hold up to 25% of the UK’s new electric vehicle market, coinciding with the Government’s pledge to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, commented: “Chinese brands are increasingly pivotal players in the UK’s electric transition.Their ability to offer affordable, high-quality electric vehicles is winning over the younger drivers who will play a vital role in driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
“But the rise of Chinese brands comes with challenges. Consumers’ trust in the quality and safety of these new entrants remains mixed, particularly among older buyers.”
Dr Andy Palmer, former head honcho of Aston Martin and Nissan’s former operating chief, who founded Palmer Energy to provide various scale battery solutions, said: “Smart electronics and AI software are a phenomena of our time, and proliferate into almost everything we own.
“For some, this has raised concern about the growth in Chinese EVs and the risk of spying. We should be cognisant of the risk but not attribute this only to China and only to EVs. The same functions can exist on internal combustion cars, and the risk from phones is probably greater.”
– The nationally representative survey of 3,985 UK consumers was conducted by research company QuMind in November 2024.
