Sinomach Explores Car Services and Expansion in North American Markets
A Chinese conglomerate that owns Sinomach is considering launching its own brand car services in Russia, according to a report from auto.mail.ru that cites Zhang Xiao, a representative of the company’s Russian office. The news indicates a broader strategy to integrate services with car sales in the region and potentially extend a similar model to other markets in North America if the venture proves successful.
In China, Sinomach operates beyond vehicle sales by offering a range of support services, including maintenance, warranties, and car insurance. According to Mr. Xiao, should the initial distribution activities in Russia prove successful, the company plans to roll out a full suite of car-related services and insurance offerings there as well. This approach reflects a broader trend among major automakers to create an ecosystem around vehicle ownership, combining sales with post-purchase support and financial products to improve customer retention and lifetime value.
Since 2023, Sinomach has sold vehicles in Russia under the Oting brand, marking the brand’s entry into the market with the Paladin SUV as its first model. The Paladin measures 4,882 millimeters in length and sits on a wheelbase of 2,850 millimeters. It is powered by a 2.0-liter Mitsubishi 4K31 turbocharged engine delivering up to 228 horsepower and around 360 Newton-meters of torque. The vehicle features an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system with three differential locking modes. The front suspension uses a double wishbone setup, while the rear adopts a multi-link arrangement. In the baseline configuration, the Paladin is equipped for single-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive. These technical details illustrate Sinomach’s intent to offer capable, performance-oriented SUVs to a demanding market, with a focus on power delivery, traction, and handling across varied road conditions.
Looking ahead, Sinomach’s strategic plan envisions selling about 10,000 vehicles annually over the next three years. This sales target signals a gradual scale-up that could be supported by the introduction of car maintenance services and insurance offerings in key markets, including North America, should there be regulatory clearance and demand. The broader ambition is to build a reliable brand presence that resonates with consumers who value integrated automotive care, transparent financing, and convenient service access alongside vehicle ownership.
In related developments, dealers previously started offering the most premium variant of the Moskvich 6 sedan, signaling a continued interest in expanding the portfolio with higher-end models. For markets in North America, this could imply a potential interest in premium sedans and SUVs that complement an expanding service network, insurance options, and after-sales support. By combining product breadth with a strong service proposition, Sinomach could position itself as a credible player in the competitive landscape of cross-border automotive brands, aligning with consumer expectations for integrated mobility solutions and brand reliability in both Canada and the United States.