During the year, nineteen new Chinese car brands officially entered the Russian market, a move that drew strong attention from dealerships and buyers alike. This development was reported by RIA Novosti, referencing the Russian Association of Automobile Dealers ROAD, which tracks market inflows and brand activity in Russia.
The list of brands that expanded into Russia in 2023 includes Jaecoo, Jetour, Baic, Kaiyi, Voyah, Livan, Ora, Forthing, Skywell, SWM, Honqi, Dongfeng, Li Xiang, Haima, Jetta, Wey, Aito, Rising, and Venucia. This influx marked a significant diversification of the domestic automotive landscape as official sales commenced across the country [citation: ROAD].
ROAD also noted that, prior to these introductions, there were ten additional Chinese car brands present in the Russian market, bringing the total number of active brands to twenty-nine. The expansion highlights a notable shift in consumer options and brand presence within the Russian automotive sector [citation: ROAD].
Earlier reports indicated price reductions on models from five brands, including Chery, Jetour, Exeed, Dongfeng, and Moskvich, with discounts becoming visible from the start of January. These pricing adjustments were part of broader market dynamics as suppliers sought to attract buyers amid evolving demand patterns and competition in the region [citation: ROAD].
Industry observers had also anticipated the arrival of powerful Chinese SUVs, with some speculation about models reaching 1200 horsepower in the near term. While ambitious, such projections reflect the ongoing interest of manufacturers and consumers in performance-oriented offerings from Chinese brands as they establish a stronger foothold in Russia [citation: ROAD].