Hongqi, the Chinese carmaker, is laying out a substantial push into the Russian market with a wave of new models slated for release before the end of 2024. The plan was outlined to Auto Mail.ru by Hongqi Rus’s executive director, with confirmation that several models are in focus, including the HS3 crossover and the L1 sedan. The move signals a broader strategy to expand product depth in a market that has shown appetite for premium and mid-range Chinese brands.
In this plan, the HS3 sits in the compact crossover segment but aims to feel unexpectedly roomy inside. Its introduction is anticipated in the near term, with a formal rollout set for June 27. Alongside the HS3, Hongqi is preparing to bring the HS5 and HS7 to the country — the former a mid-size SUV and the latter a full-size seven-seat model — expanding the brand’s traditional lineup and appealing to families and performance-oriented buyers who want space without sacrificing refinement. The company also intends to introduce the L1 sedan next year, expanding the decision matrix for buyers who prefer a traditional four-door luxury entry at a competitive price point. These launches reflect Hongqi’s shift toward a more diverse portfolio tailored to varying customer needs in Russia.
The spokesperson also indicated that the HQ9 minivan is on the radar for the Russian market. Currently offered with front-wheel drive and a gasoline engine, the HQ9 would enter a market segment that values practical transport solutions, especially for larger households or commercial users seeking a premium feel with the benefits of modern chinesium engineering.
The broader regional production strategy takes a different turn with the return of a familiar manufacturing site. In Yesipovo, near Moscow, a former Mercedes facility is set to start assembling premium Exeed models under a contract manufacturing arrangement. Exeed, a brand under the Chery automobile group, relies on this partnership to deliver higher-end vehicles to Russian dealers with the efficiency and scale that contract assembly can offer. The move aligns with a trend where automakers leverage established industrial sites to accelerate market entry, maintain quality standards, and manage local production costs more effectively.
Under this plan, the contract assembly of Exeed is scheduled to begin with the VX model later this year, with the initial batch directed to regional dealers in August. The timing suggests a carefully staged rollout designed to test the market response and ensure supply chain stability as new models begin to reach showrooms. This approach also aims to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to Russia while keeping production overhead manageable through a predictable export and assembly cadence.
Market data from Autostat points to Exeed currently being perceived as the leading premium brand within Russia’s automotive landscape. By the end of May, sales figures indicated around 3,900 Exeed vehicles had found homes with Russian customers. In a broader context, analysts estimated the entire premium segment for the spring 2024 period at roughly 11,000 units, underscoring that Exeed is commanding a noticeable share of a relatively smaller but growing niche. This performance helps explain why Chinese brands are accelerating their premium-leaning lineups and seeking premium branding opportunities in key markets like Russia.
In related news, earlier reports noted the arrival of a new Haval H5 SUV in Russia, priced around 3.7 million rubles. This development fits the larger pattern of Chinese automakers expanding their Russian footprint with competitive pricing, enhanced features, and a broader dealer network. The combination of new products, local assembly options, and a growing lineup of premium offerings marks a clear pivot for Chinese automotive groups toward a more assertive presence in Russia’s evolving market. (Citations: Autostat market data; company press materials; regional industry reports)”}