The Federal Customs Service reported that by the end of 2022 Russia imported more new cars from China than from any other country. This trend was echoed by RIA News, which confirmed the surge in shipments. In total, more than 117,000 newly manufactured vehicles arrived from China to the Russian Federation during the year, marking an approximate 40 percent rise from 2021 as documented by the ministry.
Throughout 2022 the Russian automotive market faced a steep contraction, shrinking about 59 percent year over year to a total of 687.4 thousand vehicles sold. The Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation reported this decline and also highlighted a sizable supply shortfall. Dealers confronted a gap of nearly 979.4 thousand cars in comparison with the COVID year 2021, underscoring how supply chain disruptions affected both domestic demand and the flow of imports.
AvtoVAZ figures for the year show that brands such as Kia, Hyundai, GAZ, and Chery ranked among the strongest sellers in the Russian market. The Haval Jolion crossover emerged as the best selling Chinese model in the country, illustrating the mounting consumer appeal of Chinese brands in Russia despite the broader market challenges.
Industry insiders signaled a solid pipeline of new products slated for release in Russia during 2023. Analysts note a broad array of models expected to arrive, reflecting continued interest from Chinese manufacturers in expanding their footprint in the Russian automotive sector while the market adapts to shifting demand and regulatory changes. Contemporary industry coverage tracks model introductions, pricing strategies, and showroom availability for Russian buyers, with attribution to market analyses and official data from relevant authorities. This evolving picture is informed by ongoing monitoring of trade figures, brand strategies, and policy developments that shape the landscape for car buyers and manufacturers alike.