Recent data demonstrates a decline in the number of car dealerships across Russia. Industry analysts from Autostat compare current figures to the spring snapshot, noting a drop from 3203 active centers in midsummer to 3102 today. This shift highlights how different brands are recalibrating their presence in regional markets as circumstances evolve.
European brands accounted for a sizable portion of the closures. Opel and Volvo each reduced their dealer counts by two locations. MINI saw a loss of three showrooms, and Cadillac dropped five. Renault and Peugeot shed six and seven official showrooms respectively. The most pronounced decrease came from the Chevrolet network operated by UzAuto, which closed thirty-five dealers in one stretch. These movements reflect both regional strategies and the broader challenges facing import-focused brands in the current market environment.
In contrast, stability is evident among some manufacturers from Russia and other regions. Russian and Korean carmakers maintained their existing dealer networks without net changes, suggesting a steadier approach to distribution in specific market segments.
Meanwhile, the Chinese auto industry is expanding its footprint within Russia. Exeed stands out with thirteen additional dealers over the past three months. FAW added nine centers to its network, Chery expanded by seven, and Geely opened five more. Haval and JAC each introduced two new dealers. The ongoing expansion by these brands reflects a strategic emphasis on capturing demand in a growing segment of the market.
Analysts attribute the surge in Chinese brand activity to broader geopolitical dynamics and policy stances. Observers note that China has chosen not to align with certain sanctions measures, allowing closer collaboration and investment in the Russian automotive sector. This alignment is seen as a driver for accelerating the pace of market development and expanding access to consumers across regions. The trend underscores how international relationships can shape the competitive landscape for automobile distribution in the near term.
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