Chinese cars fill Russian market after Western competitors leave it

This is reported by Reuters publication.

The agency noted that the car market most demonstrates the Chinese increased importance for the Russian economy. Chinese brands accounted for almost a third of the automotive sector of Russia.

Sales of passenger and light commercial vehicles fell in Russia by 61% compared to last year. This is due to the restriction of Russia's access to certain materials and a drop in demand. 

"There is little production of Western car brands and few imports, so the market is divided between the Russian and Chinese car industries," Russian automotive analyst Vladimir Bespalov told Reuters.

Russian Autostat reports that sales of Chinese Haval, Chery and Geely cars rose to 16,138 units in November, twice as much as in January 2022. The total share of the Chinese automotive industry in Russia reached 31.3% from 9.6%.

Russian-made cars are sold at lower prices up to about 1.5 million rubles ($23,961), while Chinese cars occupy the Western niche of prices above 2.5 million rubles.

"Engine parts from the Chinese company JAC, whose design, engineering and platform are used to revive the Soviet-era Moskvich, were visible during the brand's relaunch last month," Reuters recalled.

Moskvich said it worked with a foreign partner but did not name it. JAC did not respond to a request for comment.