(Yicai) Aug. 7 -- July was a record-breaking month for new car registrations in the United Kingdom, and three of the top 10 best-selling models were Chinese.

Chery Automobile’s Jaecco 7 and Jaecco 5 ranked fourth and seventh last month with 2,709 units and 2,481 units sold in the UK, respectively, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders yesterday. SAIC Motor’s MG HS ranked fifth with 2,703.

Britain’s shift to electric vehicles is reshaping the European country's auto market and creating new opportunities for Chinese carmakers. Driven by emissions targets, the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, and rising demand for lower-cost electrified vehicles, it has become a key battleground for global EV competition.

The UK market for new vehicles grew nearly 12 percent in July from a year earlier, with registrations totaling 156,571, the highest in seven years, SMMT data also showed. Chinese vehicles accounted for over 5 percent of the UK market in July.

Chinese automakers have been steadily increasing their market share in Europe this year. Their new car registrations in the region surpassed those of Japanese peers for the first time in May, and they widened their lead from about 8,000 units to around 13,000 the following month.

Editor: Futura Costaglione