Over the past three years, a surge of Chinese automotive brands has swept into Russia, with 46 new names entering the market. This trend was reported by automatic news citing experts from the Russian Association of Automobile Dealers ROAD.
Today, Russian showrooms feature 57 brands of Chinese cars. For context, in 2021 only 11 brands were present, including Chery, Haval, Geely, Changan, Exeed, Omoda, JAC, FAW, Great Wall, GAC, and Dongfeng. The growth is substantial and reflects a broader shift in consumer demand, factory output, and regional distribution networks that evolved rapidly during recent years.
However, not all of these 57 brands have formal, official representations across Russia. About 30 brands operate through official channels, while the remaining brands are sold via unofficial networks. Some brands announced withdrawals from the Russian market, yet shipments to customers continued despite those statements, underscoring the complexities of supply lines in the current environment.
ROAD President Alexey Poshchekoldin remarked that many Russians may be unaware of the full roster of Chinese brands available in the market. He suggested that in the next decade or so, not every brand will endure, but vehicle owners will decide which names persist based on reliability, service networks, and value. The commentary reflects a marketplace where brand recognition and long-term support become pivotal differentiators for buyers.
In related context, Volvo announced the end of its diesel era, marking a notable milestone in the global shift away from traditional internal combustion engines toward alternative propulsion. This development sits alongside the broader transition influencing consumer choices and the competitive landscape in automotive markets, including Russia’s evolving assortment of imported brands from Asia and beyond.
Observers note that Russians are increasingly turning to used cars as part of the broader purchasing pattern, a trend that accompanies the influx of Chinese brands and the fluctuations in new-vehicle supply. The mix of new entrants, official versus unofficial distribution, and consumer adaptation creates a dynamic market environment that continues to evolve in the region and shapes how buyers make decisions over the next several years.