Chery sets record September sales with 9,788 registrations

Chinese giant Chery UK has achieved its highest ever monthly sales result, registering 9,788 vehicles in September 2026, a pretty remarkable feat as their cars only started appearing in the UK in 2024.

The figure dwarfs August’s 2,380 registrations and represents almost one third of the brand’s total 2026 UK sales so far, which stand at 33,359. The record month lifted Chery UK to a 2.79% market share, its best ever in the UK and ahead of many established mainstream and premium brands.

Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) models continue to drive demand, accounting for 83.12% of September registrations. The results underline strong customer appetite for the brand’s efficient electrified powertrains. Fleet sector growth also contributed to the success, while a retail mix of 76.59% remains well above the industry average, highlighting the TIGGO SUV range’s appeal to private buyers.

Farrell Hsu, Managing Director at Chery UK, credited rapid brand establishment, attainable pricing, advanced hybrid technology and high specification levels. He added that the record month provides a strong springboard for the next phase of growth.

Chery’s current UK line-up includes the TIGGO 4, 7, 8 and 9 SUVs. All are available with CSH powertrains and backed by a seven-year vehicle warranty, with CSH models also receiving an eight-year hybrid battery warranty.

The brand’s long-term UK commitment is reflected in a fast-growing retailer network of around 100 locations and the new R&D Centre of Excellence at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire. The multi-million pound facility will tune chassis settings and advanced driver assistance systems for UK roads and customer preferences. Chery will introduce four new or refreshed models over the coming year, including its first electric vehicle.

All registration figures are preliminary SMMT data.

SMMT Drive Live 2026 in Worcestershire: Cars, brands and highlights

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) held its second SMMT Drive Live 2026event in late September at the picturesque Stanbrook Abbey Hotel in Worcestershire. The invite-only test-drive experience followed a successful May gathering at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire.

I attended the event, which brought together dozens of journalists and content creators, along with representatives from more than 30 automotive brands, for a day of driving, networking and industry insight. For many attendees, it was their first time at an SMMT Drive Live event.

What Is SMMT Drive Live?

SMMT Drive Live is designed to help media professionals access a wide range of vehicles, technologies and industry expertise in a single, efficient setting.

The event combines hands-on driving on purpose-planned real-world routes with opportunities for photography, filming and social content creation. It also gives attendees time to engage directly with manufacturers and technical specialists.

Brands and attendees at Drive Live 2026

Attendance is managed through an accreditation process based on the quality, relevance and reach of recent automotive content. This helps ensure a productive experience for everyone involved.

Brands attending SMMT Drive Live 2026 included:

Abarth, AION, Alfa Romeo, BMW, BYD, Chery, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Ford, Geely Auto, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, INEOS, Jaecoo, Jeep, Kia UK, Leapmotor, LEPAS, Lexus, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda, Peugeot, Polestar, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Urban Automotive and Vauxhall.

Cars driven at SMMT Drive Live

There were many vehicles available to test, and I managed to get into around half a dozen.

MINI Countryman E

Refined, quiet and comfortable, this large premium MINI feels relaxed rather than sporty. It is a MINI name with maxi proportions.

Mitsubishi L200

The big pickup is back in the UK, joined by the Outlander hybrid SUV. It feels every bit as good as its predecessors.

Nissan Micra

A familiar name returning to the compact car market with a sporty drive and striking profile.

Chery Tiggo 4

The newest offering from the Chinese brand, signalling its growing UK ambitions and a bargain price.

Ford Capri

The iconic nameplate reborn for the electric age. But will it become as iconic as the original?

Honda Prelude

Bucking the SUV trend with the return of this sporty saloon — stylish looks and plenty of performance.

Why SMMT Drive Live matters for the industry

Without doubt, the event was an excellent chance to sample a number of vehicles. The SMMT organisers did a brilliant job, appreciated by both journalists and manufacturers.

SMMT Drive Live allows brands to showcase their latest models to a wide group of motoring writers, even if the drives themselves are short. For media professionals, it offers efficient access to new cars, new technology and direct conversations with the people behind them.

Final thoughts

The SMMT event proved why it has become a key date for automotive media. With more than 30 brands, a strong line-up of new models and a focused test-drive format, it delivered valuable access and insight in one day.

For journalists, content creators and manufacturers, SMMT Drive Live remains a smart, efficient way to connect with the latest developments in the UK automotive industry.

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