Consideration of Chinese Brands Differs With Age
Poll finds youngest consumers would consider the cars if they were sold in the U.S.

Some survey respondents said assembly of Chinese auto brands in the U.S., if that ever happened, would increase their chances of buying them.
Pixabay/wal_172619
Few Chinese cars are sold in the U.S., and many consumers here say they wouldn’t buy one anyway, but interest rises among younger generations.
A survey by California-based automotive industry data provider and product consultant AutoPacific found that 76% of consumers younger than 40 would consider a Chinese brand, despite privacy concerns. That’s compared to just 26% of respondents 60 and older.
The poll drew almost 800 participants ages 18 to 80.
Cars made in China are subject to high U.S. tariffs, and some members of Congress are calling for an outright ban on their import. Chinese brands are not sold here at all.
If they ever are, younger consumers appear to be open to buying them, according to the survey. They still indicated they’d be concerned about their privacy if they did so. Of those younger than 40, 73% said privacy concerns would be on their minds when considering buying Chinese.
“Privacy concerns about Chinese-brand vehicles are likely to eventually subside given that most of the connected smartphones, smart watches, laptops, connected home devices we are comfortable using every day are in fact manufactured in China,” said AutoPacific President and Chief Analyst Ed Kim in a report on the survey findings.
Some respondents said that assembly of Chinese auto brands in the U.S., if that ever happened, would increase their chances of buying them, including 39% of the youngest respondents.
More Industry

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership
Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.
Read More →
Denver Ferrari Store in New Group
The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.
Read More →
Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth
Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Recalled Autos Spike in Q1
The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.
Read More →
Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need
NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.
Read More →
EFG Aims to Help Dealers Face Rising Reinsurance Volatility
Rising claims severity, higher repair costs and delayed reserve adjustments are putting new pressure on auto dealerships' reinsurance programs.
Read More →
Hybrids in Focus
Another automaker announces plans to dedicate more resources in the U.S. to the now popular power train as it also looks to minimize trade tariff costs.
Read More →
IIHS Adds to Safety Rankings
A midsize Hyundai and a small Toyota have joined the nonprofit's 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award rankings, thanks to improved crash test results and crash-prevention measures.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: FTC and Pricing
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers long loan terms, the FTC's crackdown on pricing, and disaster prep for dealerships.
Read More →