Between January and August this year, Chinese branded cars moved 283 thousand units in Russia, underscoring a notable shift in consumer demand within the domestic market. In total, 603.4 thousand new cars were sold across the Russian Federation during the first three quarters, according to Autostat Information, highlighting a robust pace in new-vehicle volumes and the growing footprint of non-domestic brands in the country’s automotive landscape.
At the start of the year, Chinese brands opened with a solid 17.2 thousand units sold in January, and demand climbed steadily to 61.4 thousand units by August. This performance surpassed the sales totals of every other brand in Russia’s passenger vehicle market for the same period, which stood at 47.1 thousand units, signaling a clear preference shift toward Chinese offerings among Russian buyers.
The year-to-date figures show that Chery led the way among Chinese automakers with a remarkable 305% year-over-year surge, reaching 72 thousand units in January–August 2023. Haval followed in second place, expanding by 231% to 58.6 thousand units, while Geely placed third with 50.4 thousand units. Exeed and Omoda also ranked among the top five Chinese brands, reflecting a broadening footprint of Chinese marques in the Russian market and a diversified product lineup that appeals to various customer segments.
In terms of model popularity, the top Chinese sellers included the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Haval Jolion, Geely Coolray, Omoda C5, and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro crossovers, illustrating a mix of compact and midsize crossover SUVs that resonate with Russian buyers seeking value, features, and practicality in daily use.
Industry experts have noted that the current trend favors crossovers and SUVs, with Chinese models delivering competitive pricing, generous equipment, and favorable ownership terms. This has helped reshape the market dynamics and expanded choice for consumers exploring affordable, well-equipped options from international brands within the Russian automotive sector.