• Almost half of used dealers (45%) have added cars from Chinese new entrants to their stock, new research shows.
• 45% say they sell quickly, 33% they represent good value and 20%  buyers like the cars on offer.
• However, 37% report they are waiting to see how reliable they prove, according to February’s Startline Used Car Tracker.

February’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 45% say they sell quickly, 33% they represent good value and 20% buyers like the cars on offer.

However, 37% of motor retailers are waiting to see how reliable they prove to be, 20% believe consumer awareness of them is low, and 14% are nervous about parts and other manufacturer support.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “In the last couple of years, Chinese new entrants have made a sizeable impact in the new car market with a flood of new models and the rapid establishment of substantial dealer networks.

“Stock is now beginning to filter through into the used sector and it’s clear that a large proportion of dealers are enthusiastic about their arrival. Their proposition in the used sector is similar to new – these are models that represent good value and have high retail appeal.

“It’s interesting that every dealer we surveyed who had sold a Chinese car reported that they sell quickly. A fast turnaround is obviously a key metric for motor retailers seeking stock.

“Objections from other respondents indicate a degree of wariness that might be applied to any unfamiliar car brand but to us, it seems likely worries over reliability and manufacturer support are likely to disappear relatively soon.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 301 consumers and 62 dealers were questioned.