The network of dealerships for Chinese automotive brands in Russia expanded significantly between November 2022 and October 2023. This trend is highlighted by analysis from the research firm Avtostat. By mid-October 2023, Russian dealers offering both sales and service for Chinese branded vehicles numbered around 2,000, up from about 1,000 in November 2022.
The sharp growth means Chinese brands nearly doubled their dealer footprint in less than a year. Analysts point to two main factors driving this surge: existing Chinese brands broadening their regional dealer networks and new entrants from China entering the Russian market. In 2023, brands such as Jaecoo, Jetour, Kaiyi, BAIC, Livan, SWM, TANK, Voyah, and Forthing began official sales, service, and aftersales support across the country. Among these, Chery stands out with the largest network, operating around 205 car dealerships dedicated to selling its models.
Additionally, the market had already signaled its openness to new brands, with Ora entering the Russian lineup as part of the broader expansion of Chinese manufacturers. This evolution reflects a sustained effort by Chinese automakers to establish a presence across Russia, leveraging a growing infrastructure of showrooms, service centers, and parts availability to support consumer demand.
For Canadian and American readers, the development underscores a broader trend in global automotive distribution where Chinese brands are rapidly expanding beyond traditional markets. The growth in dealer networks supports increased consumer access to a wider range of models, with implications for competition, pricing, and aftersales service standards. The Avtostat findings suggest that by embracing both expansion and new brand introductions, the Chinese auto sector has made substantial progress in building a comprehensive national network that can better serve buyers seeking value, warranty coverage, and convenient maintenance options.
Industry observers note that this acceleration is not just about sheer numbers. It reflects strategic investments in logistics, training for service personnel, and the establishment of standardized customer experiences across dealer locations. As more brands enter the market and existing networks extend their reach, the Russian automotive landscape is reshaping its supply chain to accommodate a broader mix of models and price points, while still prioritizing reliability and local support for customers in Canada and the United States who may import or compare these vehicles.
In summary, the dealer network for Chinese car brands in Russia has doubled in less than a year, driven by expansion of current brands and the arrival of new ones. The moment underscores how Chinese automakers are reshaping access to Chinese models, with Chery leading the pack in dealership breadth and Ora signaling continued brand diversification. The trend aligns with a growing global pattern where consumer buyers in North America and beyond are increasingly exposed to a wider selection of Chinese automobiles through enhanced dealership footprints and service networks, supported by strong distribution data from Avtostat.