Still rare in repair bays, models from BYD, XPeng and Leapmotor are quickly gaining ground in Europe, and Canada is now opening its doors to them.

Chinese-brand vehicles are still a rare sight in independent shops. Most are too new to have left the dealer network, and parts requests for brands such as BYD, XPeng or Leapmotor remain few and far between at distributors. But their numbers on the road are growing fast.

A rapid breakthrough in Europe

In France, according to AAA Data figures reported by the trade magazine J2R Auto, Chinese brands grew from 2.6% to nearly 8% of new registrations between January and July 2026. When these vehicles start heading to independent repairers, having parts on the shelf will not be enough: technical information and training will be just as essential.

Canada opens the door

This matters here too. Under an agreement reached in January 2026, Ottawa allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles per year into the country at a reduced 6.1% tariff. BYD also plans to open about 20 dealerships across Canada, including in Montreal. For shops and distributors here at home, now is the time to prepare.

Picture credit : JR2 Auto