In Russia, private vehicle sales fell almost 61% year-on-yearlargely due to Western sanctions that curb Russia’s access to some materials, falling demand and high prices, which make it even more difficult for the population to access a vehicle.
However, according to data from the Russian analytical agency Autostat collected by Reuters, sales of Chinese brand cars increased by 90%, and the market share of brands such as Haval, Chery and Geely went from a modest 9.6% to 31.3% in just one year.
Source: Reuters
Currently the Russian market has an estimate of 600,000 units sold, when it generally exceeds a million and a half, the 8th world vehicle market. Although things are going badly this year, Russia’s potential is not to be wasted, and China knows that very well.
Historically, Chinese cars met the demand for ultra-low-priced vehicles, but now With higher production quality and the departure of Western giants, they are also cornering the market for mid-range and high-end vehicles.
All this without counting China is also behind the resurgence of some historical Russian brands, such as Moskvich.a Soviet-era manufacturer that is now producing vehicles again, but using engineering from China’s JAC, both in design, platform and engines.
The extinct Soviet brand Moskvich was reborn in a few months thanks to engineering from China.
With things as they are, Chinese automakers could account for around 35% of sales in Russia next year, where the market is estimated to recover to 800,000 units.