jet tour and the Chinese auto wave in Russia

jet tour

Jetour, a subsidiary of the Chinese automaker Chery, prepared to expand into the North American and Canadian markets while pursuing entry in the Russian market. Certification processes are advancing, and sales were anticipated to begin by spring’s end, with an initial lineup of four models launching within the first year.

During a March dealer conference, the company showcased the X90 Plus and Dashing crossovers, signaling a broad regional push. The X90 Plus shares a technical lineage with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro SUV, though its dimensions are slightly altered. Inside, a prominent tablet dominates the cabin, mirroring the control approach seen in some electric vehicles. This interface governs multiple functions, including the panoramic roof, creating a modern, touchscreen-centered experience for drivers.

The Dashing introduces a more up-to-date platform. It offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with either a six-speed manual or a robotic transmission, as well as a 1.6T GDI engine which is also seen in the Tiggo 8. In the domestic market, the Dashing starts at roughly 99.9 thousand yuan, translating to about 1.1 million rubles at current exchange rates. This positioning places it as a competitive option within the compact SUV segment.

Kaiyi

One notable spring premiere was the debut of the Kaiyi brand in Russia. Assembly of the Kaiyi E5 sedan began at the Avtotor facility, with the top configuration priced around 1.96 million rubles. Plans also include introducing Kaiyi X3 and X3 Pro crossovers in mid-April. Earlier reports suggested pricing starting around 1.8 million rubles. Visually, the X3 family resembles the Kia Seltos, while its underpinnings share similarities with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro in Russia, highlighting a strategy of leveraging familiar platforms to ease market adoption.

The X3 employs a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 116 horsepower, while the X3 Pro uses a 1.5-liter turbo delivering 147 horsepower, both paired with a continuously variable transmission. Exterior differentiation lies in the radiator grille and bumpers, with the cabin showcasing distinct center-console architecture and seat upholstery to set them apart.

shining

Toward the end of spring, there was potential movement on assembling Shineray brand vehicles in Russia. While community outlets reported progress based on industry sources, official confirmation remained pending. The Shineray Group has existed since 1997 and has steered the Speedy Working Motors brands since 2016. The lineup spans five crossovers, three minivans, and three vans, illustrating a diverse product range.

the Great Wall of China

In spring 2023, the Great Wall brand aimed to introduce its Poer King Kong pickup to the Russian market. The model has already seen two years of sales in its homeland and aligns with the American pickup footprint known for large crew configurations. It can be powered by a 2.0-liter gas engine with 190 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, or a similar displacement diesel producing 150 horsepower and 400 Nm. The pickup features plug-in all-wheel drive, a downshift system, and a rear differential lock for enhanced traction.

Depending on the configuration, the Poer King Kong includes a 10-inch multimedia screen, comprehensive camera systems, and advanced braking technology. For local buyers, a warmed-option package introduces heated components across the cabin. In yuan pricing, the pickup sits near 1 million rubles, reflecting regional market adjustments.

Another notable development from Great Wall is the Tank brand, with the premium Tank 300 already on sale in March and the flagship Tank 500 slated for orders starting in April. Pricing for the Tank lineup targets higher-end segments, with the Tank 300 featuring a 220 hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and the Tank 500 offering a 3.0-liter engine producing 299 hp. Options include adaptive cruise control, multi-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and heated seating across the board.

geeley

Geely introduced the Monjaro crossover to the Russian market as the most premium model in its lineup, built on a platform shared with the Tugella. Availability is planned by April, and prices are projected to range from 4.5 to 4.8 million rubles. The Monjaro comes with all-wheel drive across trims, a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 238 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base configuration emphasizes safety and convenience, including around-view cameras, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and roof rails.

The higher-end variants step up with 20-inch wheels, a lane-keeping system, ventilated front seats, and a three-screen cockpit layout that includes a passenger display for shared information access.

omoda

Chery announced the Omoda S5 sedan’s Russia-wide rollout, confirming certification completed in January and dealer introductions anticipated before summer’s start. The S5 comes with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 113 horsepower and 138 Nm, paired with a variator and independent front suspension with a semi-independent rear setup. Standard equipment includes LED illumination, 17-inch wheels, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia display, and four airbags.

In China, the Omoda S5 is marketed as the Arrizo 5 Plus, with price ranges translating to roughly 780 thousand to 1.1 million rubles in the Russian market. Currently, the Omoda brand is represented by the C5 crossover in Russia, on sale since the previous autumn. An all-wheel-drive version featuring a 1.6-liter engine producing 150 horsepower paired with a seven-speed robot transmission joined the lineup in early spring, with a price around 2.9 million rubles.

Chery

Chery’s Russian spring plan includes the Tiggo 8 Pro e plus, a hybrid version of a large SUV, expected to list near 3.5 million rubles. China-based sales of the Tiggo 8 Pro e plus began last year. Externally similar to the gasoline variant, the hybrid integrates a 1.5-liter turbo engine with two electric motors and a three-speed DHT hybrid gearbox delivering a combined 326 horsepower. Chery notes that the hybrid system can cover substantial distances using electric propulsion alone, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of about 1 liter per 100 kilometers in routine conditions.

Meanwhile, Evolute, which coordinates SKD assembly of Dongfeng electric vehicles under its own badge in Lipetsk, is preparing to launch the i-Sky electric crossover in the second quarter. The model debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show in late 2022 under the Dongfeng Forthing Thunder name. It features a 204 horsepower motor, front-wheel drive, and an 85.9 kWh traction battery offering around 500 kilometers on a full charge.

Beyond that, Evolute now offers i-Pro sedans and i-Joy crossovers to Russian buyers, with plans for the i-Jet crossover and i-Van minivan by 2023. These vehicles underline a continuing push of the Evolute brand into the region, complementing nearby market introductions.

FAW remains a major Chinese automaker in Russia with two crossovers currently available and a third model on the way, the Bestune B70 liftback. The B70 lineup includes 1.5 and 2.0-liter engines with outputs of 168 horsepower and 223 horsepower, respectively, and a hydromechanical automatic transmission. Official warranties extend for three years or 100,000 kilometers. The Avilon dealer network has already showcased these models at prices around 2.3 million rubles, with early deliveries expected in lower trim levels featuring 18-inch wheels, LED optics, adaptive cruise control, leather interiors, parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof.

European share

European brands continue to maintain a presence in Russia through imports this spring. For instance, a batch of Audi models is anticipated in May, including the Q5 50 e-tron and the new Q6 50, with a batch of about 50 units priced at roughly 8.5 million rubles. In addition, Kia offerings such as Sportage R, K5, and KX3 remain popular, while Volkswagen’s typical SUV lineup including Tayron, Talagon, and Teramont remains in demand. The market is also seeing mentions of Zeekr 001, Avatr 11, and HiPhi X as part of the growing electrified segment.

Industry insiders note that European and Chinese brands will increasingly rely on parallel import channels to broaden their Russian portfolios. A prominent purchasing executive stated that roughly 100 cars from premium brands like BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover are imported monthly through parallel channels. Demand for parallel-import vehicles remains steady, driven by customer pre-orders, with plans to expand the Chinese-brand presence in the near term according to the executive. These trends reflect a broader strategy to diversify offerings and meet shifting consumer preferences in the region. (Source attribution: socialbites.ca)