All hope for the "Chinese" - the Russian car market turned upside down

The year 2021 was marked by circumstances unexpected for motorists - suddenly there was a shortage of cars. More precisely, as experts explain today, this situation did not arise “suddenly”: there were many prerequisites for this, one of the key ones was the suspension of the work of enterprises producing parts for vehicles, which was caused by the pandemic.


However, this does not make it easier for the Russians - by mid-autumn, the situation became critical. Dealers and manufacturers remove cars from exhibitions and test drives, sales are inexorably falling, and prices are shamelessly rising. In this turmoil, not everyone immediately noticed the so-called "Chinese automobile miracle."

What's going on with the market?

Many experts are watching the situation with concern and bewilderment. After all, the rules of the game in the Russian automotive market have changed radically. And while it is difficult to predict where everything will lead. But it is already obvious that Chinese brands skillfully took advantage of the situation.

✅ If European and Russian automakers suffer from a shortage of parts, especially chips and electronic components, then Chinese manufacturers are not threatened with a shortage - the Celestial Empire, in fact, is a monopolist in this area
✅ Chinese dealers inspire involuntary respect with moderate appetites - they do not charge exorbitant prices, do not impose additional services
✅ Although the cost of cars from China is also growing, the increase in prices is smooth and is accompanied by an improvement in quality, expansion of options



It is not surprising that, unlike competitors from the Russian Federation and Europe, Chinese brands managed to achieve sales growth. For Haval, the indicator increased by 125%, and for Chery by all 266.

What lies ahead?

So far, almost all automakers are experiencing a shortage of parts. However, the situation will gradually improve, but no one can say exactly when this will happen.



In 2021, the production of chips, the shortage of which is especially acute, increased by 30%. But this is not enough to cover all needs. Therefore, several new production lines are expected to be launched in 2022. According to optimistic forecasts, the situation will improve by mid-summer 2022. While queues for European premium brands have formed in some salons until 2023.