Chery has introduced a new brand, Exlantix, into the Russian market, signaling a bold push by the Chinese automaker into electric mobility in the region. The announcement came via a company release circulated to media outlets and confirmed by several industry outlets, highlighting a strategic market entry that aligns with ongoing demand for modern electric vehicles in Russia. The release underscores Exlantix as a dedicated badge under Chery that will showcase a lineup of electric models crafted to appeal to local buyers and international observers alike, with a clear emphasis on charging speed, range, and in-car technology as competitive differentiators. The strategic move is seen as part of a broader push by Chinese automakers to expand in Eastern Europe and the CIS, while keeping a close watch on evolving regulatory and infrastructure conditions that shape EV adoption. press release reported by industry outlets and investor briefs.
Sales are planned to start in summer 2024. The flagship model slated for the Russian market is the four-door electric coupe Exlantix ES, a vehicle designed to combine sporty aesthetics with practical range and efficiency. The ES is equipped with an 800-volt traction system and a battery capacity of 82 kWh, delivering a tested range of about 650 kilometers on a single charge under typical mixed driving conditions. Real-world charging performance suggests that at a fast charging station, the battery can rise from 30% to 80% in roughly half an hour, providing a convenient option for longer trips and daily commuting alike. Exlantix also plans to expand and upgrade the country’s charging network through its dealership centers, aiming to create a more seamless experience for customers across regions. This infrastructure push is framed not only as a retail initiative but as a long-term commitment to make electric driving more accessible within its dealer ecosystem. specifications and rollout plans disclosed in the Exlantix release.
New equipment includes door closers, an automatic parking system, a 23-speaker audio setup, a panoramic roof with automatic dimming, and adaptive cruise control. While the company has not released pricing details for the Exlantix ES in Russia, the expectation is that pricing will be influenced by local taxation, import duties, and regional incentives that affect the overall ownership cost. Consumers may anticipate a compelling value proposition that combines advanced comfort tech with strong performance metrics, designed to appeal to tech-minded buyers seeking a modern, high-tech sedan. The absence of a published price at launch is not unusual for new-market introductions, as price positioning often evolves with market feedback, currency dynamics, and potential promotions tied to dealership promotions. specs and anticipated market positioning reported in the Exlantix release.
Earlier in the year, Aito M7 earned recognition as China’s car of the year in a competition organized by the Weibo social network, a distinction that reflects the evolving image of Chinese brands in global automotive culture. This award is frequently cited by industry observers as an indicator of engineering progress, design evolution, and consumer resonance across international markets, where brand narratives and performance credentials increasingly matter to buyers evaluating options from new entrants. The broader takeaway is that Exlantix, backed by Chery, appears to be building on a track record of rapid product development and a willingness to pursue aggressive expansion beyond traditional markets. award coverage referenced in industry summaries.