In the 2022 Russian automotive landscape, three Chinese brands joined the Top 10 by sales for the first time, marking a notable shift in consumer preferences and brand penetration. These manufacturers not only entered the elite group but also managed to lift their total turnover compared with the previous year. A standout performer among them was Exeed, the premium line owned by Chery. Exeed recorded a remarkable growth of 353.5 percent in annual sales, underscoring the appeal of higher-end options in the market and signaling how premium segments can surge even amid broader market volatility.
This was not a one-off success. The narrative included robust figures from 2021 when brand dealers sold over 2,500 crossovers, signaling sustained momentum. By the close of 2022, Exeed’s volumes reached 12,127 units, enough to position the brand at the 13th place in the overall ranking for the year. These numbers illustrate how a single premium player can shift perception and influence overall competitive dynamics in the region. The growth trajectory is also a reflection of strategy choices around product lineup, regional adaptation, and distribution strength that resonated with Russian consumers.
Meanwhile, a different trend emerged among established premium players. The market as a whole faced a downturn of about 58.7 percent year over year, with most traditional leaders experiencing substantial declines. Among these, Lexus endured a dramatic drop, selling fewer than 3,000 vehicles in 2022 and recording a decline of approximately 84.8 percent from the previous year. This contrast highlights how premium brands can diverge in performance within the same market environment, depending on pricing, model renewal cycles, and the ability to connect with shifting buyer priorities.
Vote for the Best Car Debuts in 2023
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help determine the standout car novelties of the year. The process is designed to involve enthusiasts and everyday buyers alike, offering a platform to express opinions on design, features, value, and overall appeal. The participation period rewards early respondents, with a chance to win among all completed ballots. Participants who finish the questionnaire by the end of February have a random chance to receive a prize, making the exercise both informative and engaging for the car-loving community.
Attention is drawn to the 2023 Driving Grand Prix questionnaire, which serves as a pulse check on what buyers value as new releases approach the market. The exercise emphasizes user impressions, practical usability, and the perceived innovation of new models as they head toward showroom floors. The initiative fosters a broader conversation about how automakers respond to evolving customer expectations and how those responses translate into real-world sales trends over the coming year.
These observations reflect the interplay between premium brand strategy, consumer demand, and market dynamics in Russia. They also illustrate how public feedback mechanisms can influence product development cycles and marketing narratives, offering insights for brands seeking to tailor introductions and promotions to local tastes while maintaining global brand integrity.
Note: The figures cited above reflect market data for the stated year and are intended to provide context on brand performance, segment shifts, and consumer sentiment. They support a broader discussion of how premium and non-premium segments compete within a challenging economic environment and how engagement through polls can shape perception and choice among potential buyers.