When selecting a foreign-made car, attention should be paid to vehicles from China. Reports cited by lenta.ru, referencing Evgeny Zhitnukhin, who leads the dealership division of the Fresh automotive market, highlight several practical insights for buyers.
Industry observers note that Chinese automakers represented in the Russian market maintain a robust parts network, ensuring that owners do not endure long waits for spare components. Additionally, these brands are not simply competitive with established foreign makes in terms of build quality; in many cases they surpass several models in terms of technical equipment and modern features.
According to the expert, the first factor to evaluate when choosing a car is the typical operating conditions. A sedan may suffice for city driving, but off-road use calls for an SUV with all-wheel drive and enhanced ground clearance.
Fuel economy and the price of a new foreign vehicle depend on factors such as body type, drive configuration, engine displacement, and transmission type. It is also important to assess serviceability after purchase—availability of service stations and spare parts should be verified. For brands that have exited the Russian market, parts supply can present a challenge for owners.
There have been notable shifts in model popularity. In February 2024, the most popular crossover in Russia was the Chinese Haval Jolion, with around five thousand units sold in the last month of winter, a pace more than double the previous year. Geely Monjaro followed in second place, while Lada Niva Travel claimed third and Niva Legend fourth. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max rounded out the top five in that period.
Earlier discussions indicated plans for Jetour to begin producing SUVs and pickups within Russia, signaling the continued expansion of Chinese brands in the local market.