Over the past 20 years the UK new car market has shifted away from the old Ford and Vauxhall duopoly. Korean brands Kia and Hyundai have grown strongly, Toyota has benefited from hybrids, German premium brands became mainstream, and Chinese brands such as MG and BYD have arrived quickly with affordable electric cars.

These changes matter to used car buyers too. Today's new car sales become tomorrow's used car choice, so the brands that are popular now will be easier to find, and often easier to service, in a few years' time.

Which brands led the UK market in the mid-2000s?

Ford and Vauxhall were the dominant names, with cars such as the Ford Focus and Fiesta and the Vauxhall Astra and Corsa among the most common on UK roads. French brands such as Peugeot, Renault and Citroën also had a much larger share than they do today.

How have Kia and Hyundai grown?

Kia and Hyundai have moved from budget alternatives to mainstream choices. Long manufacturer warranties, good equipment levels and a wide range of hybrid and electric models have all helped.

Why has Toyota done well?

Toyota invested early in hybrid technology. As buyers looked for lower running costs and lower emissions, self-charging hybrids such as the Yaris, Corolla and C-HR became popular choices.

What happened to the German brands?

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen grew strongly through the 2000s and 2010s, helped by company car demand and finance deals that made premium cars more accessible. They remain big sellers but now face more competition in the electric market.

How quickly have Chinese brands grown?

Very quickly. MG, owned by China's SAIC, has become one of the UK's best-selling brands on the back of affordable electric and hybrid cars such as the MG4 and MG ZS. BYD, which makes its own batteries, launched in the UK in 2023 and has expanded fast. Our guide to Chinese electric cars in the UK covers this in more detail.

What should buyers check with newer brands?

Dealer and servicing network. Check where your nearest approved servicing is.
Parts and repairs. Ask how long parts usually take to arrive.
Resale value. Newer brands can lose value faster while buyers get to know them. Our guide to cars that hold their value explains why.

What does this mean for used car buyers?

There is more choice than ever. Do not limit yourself to the brands that were popular 20 years ago.
Popular cars are easier to live with. Common models usually have plenty of parts and garages that know them.
Electric options are growing. As more electric cars reach the used market, there is a wider choice of models and prices. Our EV hub has more.

Common questions

Where can I find official UK car sales figures?

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders publishes monthly new car registration figures on the SMMT website.

Is a less common brand harder to service?

Not always, but check local servicing options before you buy. Independent garages can work on most makes. Our service centre can advise.

Are Chinese-brand cars reliable?

It is still early for some newer brands, so long-term reliability data is limited. Look for a full service history and check how much manufacturer warranty is left.

Looking for your next car in Barnsley?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Browse our cars in stock, get a value for your current car through sell your motor, or call sales on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.

How UK Car Brand Popularity Has Changed Over 20 Years