Experts: Chinese car manufacturers need to adjust their strategies in the Russian market

Russian State News Agency, Moscow, October 24 - The chairman of the Russian Asian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Association, Mankovich, told Sputnik that despite a drop in sales, the Russian passenger car market is still attractive for Chinese car manufacturers. However, to maintain their position, Chinese manufacturers need to consider the current situation and adjust their strategies.

According to data from the Russian automotive market analysis institution "Motor Vehicle Statistics Network", in the first three quarters of 2025, the sales of new Chinese passenger cars in Russia were 478,775 units, compared to 677,587 units in the same period in 2024, representing a 29% decrease. The share of Chinese brands in the Russian market dropped from 59% to 54%.

Mankovich said that in the first three quarters of 2025, the sales of Chinese passenger cars in Russia fell by 29%, affecting all market participants due to a series of factors such as oversupply, high prices, and high key interest rates set by the Central Bank of Russia, which made car loans too expensive for most Russians.

The expert emphasized that despite this, Chinese brands have maintained a market share of more than 50% in the Russian passenger car market on a monthly basis, indicating that the Russian market is still attractive for Chinese manufacturers.

Mankovich pointed out that Chinese companies have efficiently used the opportunity created by the departure of Western, Japanese, and South Korean car manufacturers from the Russian market. Chinese companies have built a positive image in the eyes of Russian consumers, established a broad dealer network, organized spare parts supply, and supplied advanced models to Russia.

Mankovich believes that Chinese companies have done a lot of work, but they need to adjust their strategy. First, they should focus on more affordable models for consumers. In the past, Chinese brands focused on expensive off-road vehicles and crossover vehicles priced above 4 million rubles, which are very expensive for most Russian consumers.

According to him, secondly, attention should be paid to cooperation with Russian taxi and car-sharing service providers, who have a large demand for car updates. Third, Chinese brands need to adapt their models to the climatic conditions in Russia, including improving cold resistance and stability of vehicles in areas with harsh weather.

Mankovich added that fourth, Chinese cars should fully comply with Russian technical standards to avoid costly product recalls. Fifth, local production in Russia can significantly reduce costs and bring new opportunities for Chinese brands.

The expert also said that Chinese car manufacturers are using Russian information technology solutions smoothly to manage sales, communicate with financial partners such as banks, insurance companies, and leasing companies.

Mankovich pointed out that all information technology solutions and development results are entirely Russian products, without any risk of sanctions, which is very important for Chinese manufacturers under the current circumstances.

According to Mankovich, the Russian Asian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Association has supported Chinese partners for many years, providing them with mature solutions to work efficiently in the Russian market.

Mankovich said, "Our partners have successful experience working in Russia, and we can provide Chinese car manufacturers with high-level services and the best information technology products in the market, helping them expand their dealer networks and promote sales."

Mankovich is confident that the Russian car market has already passed the point of declining sales and is showing signs of recovery. With an appropriate strategy, the sales of Chinese brands can quickly stop declining and start rising steadily again.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846880198216711/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.