FAW Group, a leading Chinese automaker, is exploring the export of used vehicles to Russia, according to coverage from Chinese industry media in response to a Changchun Ribao report. The plan centers on leveraging established manufacturing capabilities in China to supply pre-owned vehicles to the Russian market, where regulatory constraints on domestic production have historically shaped import strategies.
Recent details circulating in Chinese press indicate a batch of about one thousand used Volkswagen Jetta sedans prepared for shipment to Russia. The arrangement reflects a broader pattern where foreign automakers, due to local production restrictions, assemble or source vehicles in China for export to neighboring regions. The newspaper notes price ranges for a three-year-old Jetta on Chinese marketplaces from 39.8 thousand to 66.8 thousand yuan, roughly equivalent to 350 thousand to 590 thousand rubles, depending on condition and configuration.
In addition to Volkswagen models, FAW outlines a plan to deliver 3,750 used vehicles from its premium Hongqi brand to the Russian market. The Hongqi brand, positioned as a flagship line within FAW, carries a long history tied to formal state usage in China. This strategic move aligns with a wider discussion about the role of used imports within the Eurasian Economic Union, and the evolving stance of Russian authorities on such trade. Observers note that traders remain hopeful for a relaxation of requirements that could facilitate greater cross-border exchanges, with used cars acting as an accessible entry point for customers seeking value and reliability in shifting market conditions.
Hongqi, a Chinese premium marque owned by FAW Car Company, sits under the FAW Group umbrella. The first Hongqi model debuted in 1959, and the brand name translates to “red flag” in Chinese. Initially reserved for high-ranking government officials, Hongqi cars have since evolved into a symbol of domestic engineering prestige. The strategy to move used Hongqi vehicles abroad signals FAW’s intent to broaden its footprint in markets adjacent to China, leveraging the appeal of a well-established luxury badge with a historical resonance that resonates with buyers seeking heritage and quality in pre-owned options. (Source: Chinese Automobiles)