The tightening of customs procedures for imported vehicles is reshaping the market for premium electric cars from China, including popular Geely Monjaro crossovers. Dmitry Rogov, founder of RogovMobil, explains to socialbites.ca that the current shift makes it less profitable to bring these models into Russia through gray-market channels as opposed to buying through official dealerships.
Under the latest exchange rates, a gray Geely Monjaro shipped directly from China and cleared through customs would total around 4.4 million rubles after duties and disposal fees. In contrast, the same model purchased from an authorized dealer costs about 4.8 million rubles. This creates a marginal, if any, price advantage for gray-market imports, leading Rogov to question the value of pursuing such a path. He notes that the potential savings likely do not justify the additional risk and administrative hassle involved in gray-market arrangements.
Rogov also points out that unofficial imports of other Chinese premium electric brands—brands that do not have official representations in Russia—are losing traction. The market dynamics suggest a retreat from non-official entrants, as consumers weigh warranty coverage, aftersales service, and long-term reliability against any upfront savings. This shift emphasizes the importance of official distribution networks for brands aiming to sustain growth in the Russian market.
In terms of specific models, Rogov highlights a significant change in pricing expectations. For instance, the Li L9, which previously carried a price around 65,000 dollars in a direct import scenario, would now be priced closer to 90,000 dollars on the gray market when compared to official offerings. He notes that the competing options among three-year-old luxury platforms include a Mercedes-Benz GLS and a BMW X7—models that command status and performance in the premium SUV segment, including Korean-market variants that may influence regional pricing. The overall implication is clear: premium electric models from China face a tougher value proposition as tariffs, logistics, and local dealer support shape consumer choices.
Historical maintenance concerns—particular issues reported after winter—were discussed in preparing the market response. Prospective buyers are increasingly weighing reliability, availability of parts, and the ability to secure timely service against any perceived savings from alternative import routes. The broader takeaway is that the price gap between gray-market imports and official channels has narrowed, while consumer confidence in brand support and long-term ownership continues to tilt toward authorized networks. This evolving landscape encourages buyers to consider total ownership costs, including warranty, service, and resale value, before deciding on an import strategy that bypasses official channels.