What They Don't Want You to Know About Chinese Cars, Why They Are the New Obsession of Thieves
Chinese cars have many more problems than they seem. The latest one that has come to light is particularly interesting, as a significant vulnerability has been detected in all of them, making them the preferred choice for thieves in the UK.
Buying a Chinese car is becoming a real challenge, with more risks added every day. Asian brands are striving to improve the quality of interior materials, something many will surpass when they start producing in European territory. But it's not just about the cabin or engines that are too 'thirsty', because there are other details to consider.
As discovered by a major British newspaper, which has focused on a detail that Chinese manufacturers have completely overlooked. These cars are not only a novelty in the UK, but they have also skyrocketed to the top in a short time, while also becoming the target of thieves.
Ignorance Leads Chinese Brands Not to Invest Against Thieves
The UK is one of the European countries where the most cars are stolen, one every four minutes, and thieves are targeting Chinese cars, after discovering significant flaws that point in a clear direction: extreme cost-cutting. A study conducted by insurers has determined that the locks are practically made of plastic, offering no resistance at all.
But that's not all, because the wheel bolts do not have a locking function, being removable with common nut wrenches. Of course, alarms and immobilizers are glaringly absent, leading insurers to receive thousands of claims for damages.
The level reached is such that new models undergo preliminary tests on behalf of insurers, including a 'break-in test' of two minutes. If it takes longer to open, it is insured, not if the time is shorter.
Cars Are Not Stolen in China Like in Europe
Manufacturers like BYD have started to install reinforced locks with steel plates inside the doors to prevent break-ins, and Xpeng has also admitted its lack of protection, so these are improvements that do not require major modifications and are easy and quick to implement.
The significant difference with European models is a clear indicator of significant cost savings, but the truth is that it is pure ignorance. Because in China, car thefts are not as common as in the West, so alarms, immobilizers, door protection to prevent access, and software-based intrusion detection have never been a priority.
The Chinese must prevent their cars from surpassing the most stolen car in the UK, the Ford Fiesta, with over 4,000 stolen in 2024. A country from which it is very easy to ship them in shipping containers - which are not usually inspected - to countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and Jamaica.
