In a forecast that drew wide attention, the head of a major Russian automotive retailer projected a substantial shift in market dynamics. The executive suggested that by late 2023, Chinese car brands could command as much as six-tenths of Russia’s car market. This assessment surfaced in discussions reported by a leading Russian newspaper, highlighting a potential pivot in consumer preferences and supplier competition.
The same source outlined a scenario in which China-based automakers would extend their footprint across Russia, with a share reaching about 60 percent by the end of 2023. The executive underscored that a stronger presence of Chinese brands could spur a revival in car sales, aiming to restore the market trajectory seen in 2021. If the current momentum continues, sales volumes could approach the 1.7 million vehicles mark within a three-to-four-year horizon, signaling a notable shift in who buyers favor and which models dominate showrooms.
Among the brands highlighted as particularly popular in Russia were Haval, Chery, and Geely, which have been expanding distribution networks and local appeal. The discussion also touched on strategic moves by manufacturers to optimize local assembly and parts supply, signaling a broader effort to keep prices competitive amid evolving tariffs and logistics costs.
Earlier, a well-known manufacturing alliance announced preparations to assemble BAIC X55 crossovers in Russia, a move that would integrate Chinese design with local production capabilities. While this expansion unfolds, suppliers reported a noticeable price uptick in body components for Chinese cars, driven by factors such as currency dynamics, import duties, and global supply-chain adjustments that began to unfold in late 2022. This price trend is reshaping total ownership costs and was cited as a consideration for buyers weighing model choice and aftersales plans. [citation: Russian newspaper]