The Russian automotive market sits at a turning point. It is crowded with offerings from Chinese manufacturers, and the future will see balance as brands and models settle into clearer roles. The insights shared at a Reedus event, where Mikhail Osetrov spoke, highlight this moment. Osetrov serves as the co founder of AutoExpert, holds the position of vice president at the Association of Auto Experts and Appraisers, and contributed to the discussion around the table on the topic, When will Chinese cars become cheaper?
Osetrov noted that during the years 2022 and 2023, new Chinese models were introduced steadily. There was uncertainty about how these vehicles would perform in the market and how customers would respond. Looking ahead, he suggested that the models already established in the market will find traction, while those that fail to attract buyers will gradually disappear. This perspective reflects a larger pattern in any evolving market: as the lineup matures, demand shifts toward reliable performers and value, leaving weaker offerings behind.
Regarding price movement, Osetrov indicated there is no expectation of a price drop for Chinese cars. He explained that manufacturers are unlikely to reduce sticker prices and that the cost at the entry point for Russian car dealers does not differ significantly from what consumers end up paying. This implies a pricing discipline tied to production costs, logistics, and distributor margins, rather than downward price spikes driven by promotions or incentives.
Industry research cited in the discussion highlighted a key advantage of modern Chinese models: their level of equipment. A study by Avto.ru Business emphasized that contemporary Chinese cars often come with a notably rich standard equipment list compared with rivals in the same segment. This comparative edge translates into higher perceived value for buyers who want more features out of the box.
When examining specific models, the analysis pointed to the Haval Jolion in the Premium configuration as among the most generously equipped crossovers in basic terms, whereas the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro in the Travel variant represented a more modest equipment package. The data referenced noted that Chinese crossovers account for a meaningful share of the market. Specifically, they hold a 24 percent share of crossover sales in Russia, while Chinese cars collectively command a substantial 61 percent of the overall market, underscoring their prominent role in the country’s vehicle mix.
Earlier market reports also indicated a pause in supply, with five Chinese car models halted from being delivered to Russia in January. This interruption in imports is part of a broader set of dynamics affecting how quickly new models can reach consumers and how quickly existing stock is absorbed. Market observers watch closely how ongoing supply fluctuations interact with consumer demand, dealer networks, and pricing expectations as the year unfolds. The overall picture suggests that Chinese brands have established a dominant presence, yet the market is watching for how new models, updated features, and evolving consumer preferences will shape future sales and value propositions. This evolving landscape matters for buyers, dealers, and analysts keeping an eye on price points, feature sets, and overall ownership cost over time. (Citation: Avto.ru Business, market analysis)