The shortage of spare parts for Chinese cars in Spain has long hindered their growing popularity. Owners often faced weeks of waiting for even the simplest repairs. This not only caused frustration but also drove down the resale value, since few want to risk being left without a vehicle for an indefinite period.
The situation began to change when leading Chinese brands realized that without a strong after-sales service network, they could not earn the trust of Spanish customers. Over the past year and a half, companies have invested in large warehouses and logistics centers to ensure quick access to the most in-demand parts. This approach is already paying off—some manufacturers can now deliver the necessary components within 24 hours.
Logistics and New Warehouses
Dongfeng was one of the first to build a modern warehouse in Spain, covering almost 1,000 square meters. About 1,000 types of parts are stored here, with a total inventory exceeding 9,000 units. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, the value of this stock reaches €270,000. The priority is on parts most commonly needed for routine maintenance and quick repairs. Thanks to this, availability of the most popular items now reaches 90–95%.
MG, responding to complaints about delays, has opened its own logistics center in Madrid, serving not only Spain but also Portugal. This has reduced vehicle downtime and improved customer satisfaction. Another example is Ebro, which signed an agreement with Kuehne + Nagel to establish a center in Azuqueca de Henares (Guadalajara) for three years. These steps show that Chinese brands are ready to invest in infrastructure to compete with European and Japanese manufacturers.
Impact on the market and trust
Previously, slow delivery of spare parts caused Chinese cars to lose value faster than their European counterparts. Buyers worried about potential repair issues, and service centers complained of missing parts. Now the situation is changing: the presence of warehouses and advanced logistics not only speeds up repairs, but also builds greater trust in Chinese brands. This is especially important as new models arrive and the share of Chinese cars in the Spanish market grows.
At the same time, the network of official service centers is expanding. While it is still smaller than those of European competitors, the growth rate is impressive. According to RUSSPAIN, the number of service locations has almost doubled over the past year. This means Chinese car owners can now expect faster, higher-quality service, and dealers can rely on a stable flow of customers.
Comparison with previous experience
Interestingly, Japanese brands faced similar challenges when they first entered the Spanish market in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, spare parts were also in short supply, and service was limited. However, over time the situation stabilized, and Japanese cars became synonymous with reliability. Now, Chinese manufacturers are following a similar path, focusing on fast and accessible service.
Similar parallels can be drawn with current electric vehicle support programs, where dealers are forced to take matters into their own hands to avoid losing customers. For example, dealers have already started compensating for payment delays under Plan Auto Plus, in order to maintain customer loyalty. This approach is becoming the norm for Chinese brands as well, as they strive not only to sell cars but also to ensure their long and trouble-free use.
Dongfeng is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in China and is actively expanding in the European market. The company is known not only for its broad model range but also for its commitment to service. In recent years, Dongfeng has invested in building logistics centers and expanding its service network to strengthen its position in Spain and increase trust in its vehicles. This approach enables the brand to compete with established industry leaders and attract new customers.
