UK Market Urges Chinese Auto Manufacturers to Enhance Locking Mechanisms, Industry Report Suggests | Automotive Sector

British authorities have raised concerns about the cyber-spying threat from Chinese-made vehicles, but it turns out that Chinese manufacturers also have security worries of their own. Insurers have informed Chinese carmakers that certain critical modifications are needed for vehicles on British streets, specifically tougher locking devices to prevent theft. There are, on average, 11 reported vehicle thefts per hour in the UK, while car crime is rare in China due to its strict authoritarian regime. Industry sources described it as a “swift learning curve” in terms of vehicle security modifications. Changes made to cars exported from China to the UK include lockable wheel nuts and additional layers of steel around car door locks, as well as software to detect and prevent unauthorized entry. Chinese car sales have increased sharply in Britain, accounting for about one in 12 of all new cars sold. New models imported from China are assessed for risk, with tests including a two-minute “attack test” to improve their resistance to car theft. According to Ben Townsend, the head of automotive at Thatcham Research, certain anti-theft features have not historically been prioritized in China due to lower vehicle crime rates. However, Chinese brands have been responsive and agile in implementing improvements for the UK market. Chery UK’s Oli Lowe stated that simple adaptations, such as the addition of locking wheel bolts, have been made to meet local requirements and enhance security and customer confidence.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/14/chinese-carmakers-told-improve-locking-devices-uk-market