Something you should know about Chinese car
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- Issue Time
- Jun 12,2025
Summary
In recent years, Chinese cars have been making waves in the global market. Whether in the field of electric vehicles or traditional fuel-powered cars, Chinese brands have made remarkable progress.
In recent years, Chinese cars have been making waves in the global market. Whether in the field of electric vehicles or traditional fuel-powered cars, Chinese brands have made remarkable progress. Many consumers, when considering the purchase of a Chinese-made vehicle, often have some common questions, such as: “Are Chinese cars reliable?”, “Are Chinese cars right-hand drive?”, “Do Chinese cars have airbags?” This article aims to answer these frequently asked questions and help you better understand Chinese automobiles.
Are Chinese Cars Reliable?
This is one of the most common concerns among potential buyers. In fact, the quality of Chinese cars has improved dramatically in recent years. From well-established brands like BYD, Geely, and Great Wall to emerging EV brands like NIO and XPeng, Chinese automakers have made significant advancements in manufacturing, technology, and user experience.
Many Chinese brands have passed international quality certifications such as ISO/TS 16949, CE (Conformité Européenne), and E-Mark. Some models have gained solid reputations in markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For example, BYD's electric buses have been successfully exported to the UK, Germany, and Norway.
Additionally, Chinese cars excel in smart features such as large central displays, automatic parking systems, voice assistants, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), making them highly competitive in their price range.
Are Chinese Cars Right-Hand Drive?
Cars manufactured for the Chinese domestic market are left-hand drive. This standard follows China’s traffic regulations, which require driving on the right side of the road. Left-hand drive vehicles are better suited for visibility and safety under these conditions. Therefore, whether local or imported, all vehicles sold in China are designed as left-hand drive.
However, that does not mean all Chinese-exported vehicles are left-hand drive. Chinese automakers customize vehicles for right-hand drive markets such as Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, and the UK. These right-hand drive models are specifically engineered and adjusted to comply with local driving laws and user habits.
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Do Chinese Cars Have Airbags?
Airbags, as a core element of passive vehicle safety, have become a standard feature in Chinese automobiles. According to China’s mandatory national standard GB 11551-2014, Protection of the Occupants in the Event of a Frontal Collision, all passenger cars produced since 2018 are required to have dual front airbags (for both driver and front passenger).
Moreover, as consumer awareness of vehicle safety increases, Chinese brands continue to enhance safety configurations. In addition to the standard front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and even knee airbags are becoming common in mid- to high-end models. For example, models like the Hongqi H9 and Tank 500 are equipped with up to nine airbags per vehicle. Combined with high-strength body structures and intelligent driving assistance systems—such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist—Chinese cars offer comprehensive protection on the road.