Chinese automakers drew significant attention at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
The automotive industry is undergoing a tectonic shift: electric vehicles, once a niche, are becoming mainstream, and Chinese brands are moving from followers to leaders. The Goodwood Festival of Speed, a shrine to automotive history, is now becoming a venue where old traditions meet new technologies, and Chinese manufacturers prove that they belong among the world's giants. BYD and MG came to the UK not just to show cars but to tell their story — a story of technology, innovation and global ambition.
Since its founding in 1993, the famous hill climb — a nearly two‑kilometre course — has been the heart of the Festival of Speed, but increasingly the event is becoming an opportunity for automakers to boost brand awareness. Chinese EV giant BYD had the largest stand at this year's festival, showcasing its expanding model line‑up. The company sees the event as a chance to tell the world the BYD story. "The next step, I think, we will do more, strengthen the BYD brand and tell the BYD story. I think the BYD story has not been told enough. Many people don't know BYD, don't understand the potential behind its 120,000 R&D engineers and 52 patents per day. So we need to tell stories like this because our mission is to use technology to change the world and offer affordable solutions to combat climate change," said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
BYD only started selling cars in the UK three years ago, but sales have grown rapidly. In the first half of the year, the company sold nearly 38,000 cars in the UK, almost double the previous year. MG (Morris Garages), an icon of British automotive history now under Chinese ownership, unveiled two electric concept cars — the MG GO! and the MG Cyber Concept. Josef Kaban, Vice President of MG's global design centre, said the brand aims to create quality products that reflect European heritage with the support of Chinese technology. "We have a very open view on innovation and technology from China, as well as high speed and ability to deliver high quality, with a very, let's say, European strong focus on heritage, as well as on the car that is not only about technology but also about experience and emotion," Kaban said. As electric vehicles become more widespread, this year's Goodwood debuts Formula E with electric car racing, although organisers said there will always be room for tradition. "We can gradually phase out some internal combustion engine cars, but we are not phasing out cars. And I always think the celebration of old cars will continue — it's a return to motorsport heritage and a place to see these classic cars. I think there will always be a place for that," said Adam Waterworth, Managing Director of Goodwood Estate.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the world's most prestigious automotive events, founded by Charles March, Duke of Richmond. BYD, established in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, is now a global leader in electric vehicles. MG, a British brand with nearly a century of history, is now owned by Chinese company SAIC and successfully combines European design with Chinese technology. Entering the UK market is a key step in Chinese automakers' global expansion strategy. As CCTV+ reports. The presence of Chinese brands at Goodwood shows they are ready to compete with European and Japanese giants on their home turf.
