Chinese cars are beginning to outperform European cars in several key areas, including aftersales service and dealer support. Reports from Prime, citing automotive expert Egor Vasiliev, indicate that after European brands exited the market, the entire dealer network effectively shifted to Chinese manufacturers at minimal cost to them. This shift has implications for availability of service and maintenance, as well as the speed with which owners can access genuine parts and knowledgeable technicians.
“As a result, we are now seeing Chinese cars that not only meet European standards in many respects, but are also designed with the realities of operation in challenging Russian conditions in mind,” Vasiliev notes. The perspective highlights a broader trend where Chinese models are being developed with durability and adaptability as central features, appealing to fleets and private buyers alike who require reliability under tough weather and road conditions.
According to the expert, vehicles from European, American and Japanese brands, which were once legally acquired through Russian dealers, now face more limited options for repair and service. Cars sourced via parallel imports frequently encounter operational challenges, including maintenance scheduling and access to compatible parts. In this context, fresh Chinese offerings are perceived to hold a distinct advantage for owners seeking straightforward, reliable service access and ongoing support.
Data from Avtostat shows that the best-selling crossover in Russia at the end of 2023 was the Chinese Haval Jolion. Sales for this model rose more than threefold, reaching approximately 55,500 units. The performance of Jolion reflected a broader shift in consumer preference toward Chinese brands, driven by perceived value, equipment levels, and a growing dealer footprint.
Research from Avto.ru Business emphasizes that the standout edge of contemporary Chinese cars lies in their rich equipment lists. Modern models frequently come with a wide range of features that were previously scarce in comparable rivals, providing a compelling combination of price and value for money. This attribute helps explain why Chinese crossovers have gained traction in the market and are increasingly viewed as practical choices for everyday use and family travel.
Within this landscape, the Jolion in the Premium configuration is recognized as one of the most generously equipped crossovers, featuring an extensive array of standard options. By contrast, the Tiggo 4 Pro in the Travel version is described as occupying a more modest end of the spectrum, with a smaller suite of base features. Together, these examples illustrate how Chinese brands are expanding the range of configurations to meet diverse buyer needs. Market data indicates that crossovers from China account for around one-quarter of the Russian market, while Chinese cars overall hold a dominant share of roughly 61 percent of the category. These figures reflect shifting consumer preferences and the expanding availability of Chinese models across different price tiers and feature sets.
Earlier reports noted that in January, shipments of five Chinese car models to Russia were halted, signaling potential adjustments in supply chains and consumer access. This development underscores the dynamic nature of the market, where brand strategy, logistics, and local conditions continually influence what options are readily available to buyers and how quickly service networks can respond to demand.