"We won't be bored" - a dozen Chinese brands will leave the Russian market

According to the Russian Automobile Dealers Association (ROAD) and industry analysts, up to ten Chinese companies may leave our market by the end of this year. The reasons cited are weak demand, oversupply, and increased intra-group competition.


Experts are sure that the departure of some brands was inevitable even at the beginning of their activity. The domestic market is simply not ready to "digest" such a number of brands.

The situation is also complicated by unstable demand, lack of consumer confidence and excess inventory. Not the least role was played by the regular rise in price and decrease in availability of car loans.


Some brands have been present in Russia for many years, while others have only recently entered our market. Among the most likely candidates for “dropout,” analysts name the following brands:

✅ Kaiyi
✅ Oting
✅ Lebanon
✅ VGV
✅MG
✅ JMC
✅ SWM
✅ Haima

The ambiguity of the situation with Chinese automakers is also reflected in the dealer network. According to current statistics, in the first quarter of this year alone, 213 showrooms specializing in the sale of cars from the Middle Kingdom closed in our country.

The figure was 3 times higher than for the same period last year. At the same time, only 124 new dealerships were opened, which is half as many. Thus, their total number decreased to 2,7 thousand.

Of the above list, Kaiyi and Bestune (FAW) were hit the hardest. The companies lost 20 and 26 points of sale, respectively. The reason for the closure of branches was low profitability and weak interest from buyers.

Chinese manufacturers of the budget and mid-price segments are at particular risk. Analysts note that if a company fails to sell at least 1 cars a year, its presence on the market becomes financially pointless.


An example is the Haima brand, whose name not every Russian car enthusiast has heard. In the first quarter of this year, only 12 units were sold. Of these, 4 were 7X minivans and 8 were 8S crossovers. The indicator was one of the weakest among all officially presented brands.

Thus, it can be assumed that only those Chinese brands that have already managed to establish themselves and acquire a wide dealer network will be able to “survive” on the Russian market.

The average buyer is much more likely to give preference to a proven brand. The latter is explained both by the brand's reputation and practical considerations - access to spare parts, fewer problems with warranty and service.