A Chinese-made Changan Uni-V cable car reportedly caught fire on the Kaluga Highway in Moscow, according to a Russian auto news portal. The blaze began in the front section and rapidly spread to the rest of the vehicle, with several loud explosions heard as the fire consumed the body. The car was reduced to ashes by the time firefighters arrived, leaving little more than a charred shell. The incident was documented by observers as it unfolded on site. This report comes from a source that tracks Chinese-manufactured cars in the Russian market.
A spokesperson for the Chinese automaker stated that the incident occurred over a month ago. The owner did not reach out to official brand representatives or authorized dealers. Preliminary inspections revealed that the vehicle had not received service from any official Moscow dealer, and investigators noted ongoing checks at regional dealerships to determine maintenance history and any potential contributing factors. The situation underscores the importance of official service networks when evaluating vehicle safety and aftersales support for imported brands. As the investigation continues, the company emphasizes the role of authorized service channels in assessing risk and ensuring safety compliance, with updates provided by the regional network where applicable.
Previously, three GAC crossovers reported fires within Russia over a two-month span, drawing regulatory and consumer attention. The first incident involved a model priced around 2.6 million rubles that burned on a highway outside Moscow in May 2024. A couple traveling from Orenburg toward relatives in Moscow noticed smoke issuing from beneath the hood and a rapid ignition of the driver’s door. The driver could not stop in time, and the seat belt mechanism hindered an immediate exit, resulting in burns to the face, arms, and legs, and causing significant damage to clothing and hair. A bystander assisting at a nearby gas station helped extinguish the flames and aided the occupants. This account illustrates how fast a fire can escalate and the kind of immediate danger drivers face on long-distance trips in uncertain weather or fuel system conditions. [according to the same auto news portal] The wife reportedly escaped the vehicle on foot while the husband faced injuries that required medical attention, highlighting the human impact of such incidents.
In June, a second GAC crossover caught fire while in motion near Saratov. Investigators noted a prior fuel-line leak as a potential precursor to the blaze. A business owner had recently acquired a 2022 GAC GS5 for corporate use and reported the vehicle began suffering from fuel system irregularities that escalated into combustion. The narrative serves as a cautionary reminder for owners of similar models to monitor fuel-line integrity and address any unusual odors, fumes, or smoke immediately to prevent seat, interior, or structural damage.
The third fire occurred on a stretch of roadway near Krasnodar, with authorities confirming another GAC crossover involved in a combustion event. These recurring reports prompted Rosstandart, the Russian consumer safety watchdog, to initiate formal testing of the company’s products to verify compliance with established safety standards. Such regulatory actions reflect growing scrutiny over imported vehicles in markets with diverse dealer networks and variable maintenance practices. The ongoing coverage by regional media emphasizes how quick the narrative can shift from a single incident to a broader safety review across multiple models. [as covered by socialbites.ca]
In other news related to the broader regional auto market, there have been reports about the launch of a new version of a Geely sedan, the Galaxy L6, entering Chinese showrooms. This update signals competitive dynamics in the segment as brands push for refreshed designs and updated safety features in markets with evolving regulatory expectations and consumer demand. The industry continues to watch how these developments influence perceptions of reliability, aftersales service, and warranty coverage for imported brands in Russia and neighboring regions, as noted by industry observers. [reported by various automotive outlets]