Potential customers inspect an electric car of Chinese manufacturer BYD at a dealership on May 23, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. BYD has overtaken Tesla in electric car sales in Europe. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAn increasing number of U.S. vehicle buyers will consider buying a Chinese-made vehicle, a report released Thursday says.That finding was part of Dave Cantin Group’s 2026 mid-ear Market Outlook Report.Cantin is an automotive retail M&A advisory company. Its report is produced in partnership with the Martec Group and is based on consumer and dealership surveys. The report includes information from dealers, executives and industry experts.Among the findings of the report:Among U.S. buyers, 51% would consider purchasing a Chinese-made vehicle, including 77% of purchasers below the age of 35.Affordability has become a big part of automaker strategies. In the mix: Electric vehicle demand is falling and gasoline-electric demand is rising.Dealers expect M&A activity to rise.Artificial intelligence is giving vehicle shoppers new research tools,“The industry may be underestimating the pressure the U.S. government will be under to make vehicles more affordable,” Brian Gordon, president of Dave Cantin Group, said in a statement.“Consumer willingness to purchase China-made vehicle could combine with persistent affordability challenges to entice politicians into changing their stance on a U.S. entry,” he added.The findings of the report come amid various auto industry developments.The U.S. and Canada are in a new trade war. The auto industry is a big part of that. Vehicle and component production takes place across the U.S.-Canada border. The recently opened Gordie Howe International Bridge involves automotive shipments across the two countries.MORE FOR YOUMeanwhile, China’s auto industry continues to cast a shadow over the world auto industry, consulting firm AlixPartners said in an annual report earlier this year.China has devised ways to reduce costs and vehicle development time. Chinese automakers can bring new vehicles to market in three years, compared with five for legacy automakers. Established automakers are being spooked by China’s advances.The Dave Cantin report said China “is already affecting U.S. dealers,” according to the statement. Dave Cantin Group said affordability pressures “are reshaping product strategies across established automakers.”The report also said dealership “consolidation is expected to accelerate.”