Haval and Lada
Before the New Year, Haval offers a direct manufacturer discount of 100,000 to 200,000 rubles, varying by model and configuration. The discount is shown in official price lists without exchange, credit, or insurance considerations. A Haval dealership manager in Moscow’s western district confirmed the promotion runs through December 31.
At the dealership, the all wheel drive Haval Jolion in Elite configuration (1.5 engine; automated transmission) is 200,000 rubles cheaper. The car is in the dealer’s warehouse, with a price tag of 2.44 million rubles instead of the higher listed amount.
“There is a New Year discount now. Models arriving in the 2024 lineup will be priced higher automatically, at least by 200,000 rubles,” explained a Haval dealer employee.
The second generation Geely Coolray crossover entered the Russian market in late autumn. A socialbites.ca correspondent contacted a Geely dealer in Kazan to purchase this car for cash.
An employee offered the Luxury configuration (second tier after the basic; 1.5 liters and front wheel drive) with extra options such as winter tires, fenders, floor mats, engine protection and alarm system, with a direct 50,000 ruble discount bringing the price to 2.8 million rubles.
The manager then reached out to an executive and created a “personal offer.” The crossover could be taken from the warehouse for 2.7 million rubles. The recommended retail price (RRP) for this configuration is 2.7 million rubles. Discounts remain valid through the end of the year.
Dealers do not offer New Year discounts on Lada cars directly; instead they are sold at AvtoVAZ’s recommended retail price.
In St. Petersburg, a Lada dealer manager indicated that the Vesta in Life configuration (1.6 engine, 106 hp, manual) is available for 1.6 million rubles. This is a cash price. There is a promotion for teachers, doctors and SVO participants that includes a 20% discount on credit purchases.
When asked about possible price increases, a dealer employee said, “In the last six months, Lada prices have risen twice, so it is likely there will be changes next year.”
Chery
The Moscow Chery dealership manager offered the front-wheel drive Tiggo 7 Pro Max in the basic configuration for 1.8 million rubles, a discount of 1 million rubles from the car’s starting price. The offer accounts for all discounts, including trading in an old car and obtaining a dealership loan. The final cost for a cash purchase was not disclosed by the seller.
“The recommended retail price of the car is 2.8 million rubles. The dealer discount is included here. We’re making you an offer you shouldn’t refuse,” the sales manager promised.
According to him, buying on credit can be more profitable than paying cash. For example, under the program “18 Years of Chery Friendship,” the discount could reach about 400,000 rubles.
“If there is no own car to trade in, perhaps a relative can help, as there are currently very favorable discounts on this service.”
Prices are expected to rise by around 10% starting the new year. “There are no more four-wheel drive vehicles available; they are being dismantled,” the interlocutor warned.
There may be no stock left
There is a 100% direct discount on cars in dealer warehouses, a December tradition. Renat Tyukteev, deputy general director for new car sales of the Avilon dealer holding, noted that dealers are actively selling stock due to high financing costs.
“There are nearly 180,000 cars in dealer and manufacturer warehouses. Compared to January, which is typically slow, this stock should cover the network for about 2.5 months,” he said.
There is no certainty about major sales at the start of the year. Car prices have rarely fallen in the last decade. The brief downturn in 2019, followed by a sharper rise, is seen as an exception, Tyukteev added.
On New Year’s Eve, discounts apply to many models offered by dealerships, including Chery, Geely, Exeed and other Chinese brands. The typical discount range is 10-15%, according to AutoSpetsCenter.
“There are no mass sales right now because production in China will pause for a few months at the start of 2024. Dealers maintain stock of 200 to 300 thousand vehicles to meet current demand. A new batch of Chinese cars is expected to reach the Russian market in March or April,” a company representative stated.
Avtodom dealer holding predicts there will be minimal stock of 2023 cars in its centers after the significant New Year’s discount.
One key indicator in the auto business is warehouse coverage. The company explained that earlier dealers relied on a coefficient of 2.5 (to sell 100 cars per month, stock should be at least 250). Now that figure is less than one.
“When purchasing the Li Auto L9 all-wheel drive crossover on credit, the cost can be reduced by 750,000 rubles. With an average loan term of five years, customers tend to repay loans in about three years. Early repayment lowers interest payments, which helps bring the total car cost down,” a representative noted.