Jetour’s Russia Strategy: Certification, Pricing Uncertainty, and Market Positioning

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Jetour automobiles are in the certification phase and are expected to arrive in the market after obtaining the OTTS, according to insiders in the Russian automotive sector told socialbites.ca. The people cited indicated that the first Jetour model could roll out in Russia as early as April, once regulatory approvals are in place.

Sources from socialbites.ca stressed that the company is not prepared to disclose even rough pricing for Jetour vehicles, citing potential shifts in market conditions. The chatter suggests Jetour models won’t exceed the price range of their parent brand Chery, yet the lineup is aimed at a younger buyer demographic seeking modern design and value.

Jetour was established in 2018 by Chery, the Chinese automaker. Its product lineup centers on crossovers featuring a distinctive styling language that intentionally diverges from the main brand’s lineup.

During a summer 2022 presentation, Jetour outlined plans for an active push into export markets, including the anticipated launches in Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

The Jetour Dashing crossover (known as Dasheng in China) is roughly the same size as a Toyota RAV4 and stands about 12 cm taller than the Haval Jolion produced at the Tula plant. Its wheelbase of 2720 mm also gives it a slight edge over the Japanese benchmark at 2690 mm.

The Dashing is powered by a 156 hp 1.5-liter turbo engine and a robotic dual-clutch transmission. Inside, a 15-inch horizontal media display dominates the dashboard. The car comes equipped with a broad suite of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking and rear collision warning sensors. In China, the price spectrum for this model ranges from 100,000 to 134,000 yuan (about 1.1 to 1.5 million rubles).

The X70 crossover is larger, measuring 4720 mm in length and offering dimensions comparable to a second-generation SsangYong Rexton. It sits about 6.5 cm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe and houses a 1.5-liter turbo engine delivering 147 hp, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. This configuration has already earned a Vehicle Type Approval (OTTS) in Kazakhstan.

Jetour’s flagship, the X90 crossover, is available in several configurations. With a length of 4840 mm and a 2850 mm wheelbase, it sits in the same size category as the Kia Sorento. In the Chinese market, a seven-seat version exists. Following a 2022 fall update, the X90 Plus gained a new 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 254 hp and a robotic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Russian plans for Jetour remain tentative regarding the introduction partner and showpiece model. Preliminary information suggests the X70 could be the first Jetour model shown to Russian customers at the start of sales. The market’s response will largely depend on price positioning, as models in the over-2-million-ruble segment will face stiff competition, according to industry experts.

Analysts note that Jetour’s main rivals in Russia are expected to include Haval and Geely crossovers, with pricing pressures likely to follow suit. A more compact Jetour model is anticipated to be positioned around 2 to 3 million rubles. When considering the entire lineup, the X90 could be priced around 4 million rubles, a level some observers deem sufficient given regional expectations. This view was shared by Sergei Burgazliev, an independent automotive industry consultant, in discussions with socialbites.ca.

Given current economics, high recycling fees, expensive logistics, and the ongoing constraint on new-car supply in Russia, both the total landed cost and sticker price for Chinese brands tend to be higher than in China. Industry estimates put container shipping costs from China to Russia at roughly $3.5–4.5 thousand per vehicle, equivalent to 262–337 thousand rubles. A Chinese-market price of up to 1 million rubles could translate into a significant markup once imported into Russia, Burgazliev notes.

Igor Morzharetto observes that the Russian market needs budget-friendly models under 2 million rubles. If Jetour positioning slides higher, intense competition with existing Chinese brands operating in Russia seems inevitable. He stresses that a volume-driven entry would require offerings under 2 million rubles, a segment currently less crowded. Morzharetto points to Kaiyi as evidence of demand in this category and cautions that the mid- to high-end segment remains crowded with Chery, Exeed, and Haval. He also notes that pricing above 2 million rubles would likely deter substantial yearly sales in the region.

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