China’s presence in the Russian auto market is growing, and it looks set to remain a significant factor in the coming years. Many observers expect Chinese brands to increase their market share, gradually shifting the competitive landscape away from traditional European, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers. This change is influenced by sanctions dynamics that affect European and certain other brands and by the continuous improvements and expanding options from Chinese automakers.
The AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee has long tracked the Top 25 best-selling models of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia. Based on eleven months of data, four Chinese crossovers have already entered the list this year, with one notable absence still present: Chery, whose parent company has chosen not to disclose its full statistics. This illustrates how Chinese brands are gaining traction even as some players opt for quieter reporting strategies in a shifting market.
Current entries include:
- Haval Jolion – 15,670 units
- Geely Coolray – 9,821 units
- Haval F7 – 6,003 units
- Geely Atlas Pro – 5,715 units
Looking ahead, expectations point to more Chinese brands earning notable positions in the coming year. The growth trend suggests Chinese automakers will claim a larger footprint and contribute to a broader mix of models available to Russian consumers.
Presently, seven Chinese brands are represented in Russia’s market: Haval, Geely, Chery, Changan, Great Wall, FAW, and DFM. There is room for expansion as the country’s manufacturers continue to introduce new models and variants. Worldwide, China hosts a wide array of automotive brands—at least 32 brands are active in the Chinese market alone. Not all are globally recognizable, but the sheer breadth of choices underscores the depth of competition and innovation in China’s vehicle sector.
Photo: Depositphotos
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