Auto dealers report growing stock challenges as many cars remain on lots for two months or longer. This trend was observed by 74.ru and highlighted as a shift in buyer expectations rather than a simple supply issue [Source: 74.ru].
Markets across regions have seen dealers shifting away from the usual December price increases. Instead, many have launched aggressive discounts and incentives to attract buyers. The change in pricing strategy reflects evolving consumer behavior and the pressure to move inventories before new models arrive, a response to slower demand. [Source: 74.ru].
Analysts point to a softening demand in the latter half of the previous year, when the market became saturated with used and new cars. An uptick in vehicle recycling and higher borrowing costs tied to a rising key interest rate further constrained purchaser activity and access to credit. These factors combined to reduce overall buying power and slow turnover on dealer lots. [Source: 74.ru].
Industry voices from the Automarketer project note that while many Chinese brands projected strong sales in 2024, the market still shows a pronounced surplus of unsold units for certain players. In Russia the Chery brand is mentioned as carrying a significant excess of inventory compared with peers. [Source: 74.ru].
Regional variations are evident in the stock situation. Some regions report relatively normal levels for Chery, while others see higher stock levels for brands like Geely or Exeed that indicate continued supply relief needs. The uneven distribution underscores how local demand, retailer strategies, and logistics influence stock health differently across territories. [Source: 74.ru].
Earlier reports noted shifts in strategic positioning by regional offices and carmakers, reinforcing that the inventory challenge is not uniform. The overall pattern points to a market transition where inclusions of discounts and flexible financing options become central to maintaining sales velocity while dealers manage longer-term inventory risk. [Source: 74.ru].