A Drom survey indicates that Chinese vehicles maintain a dominant position in the Russian market, raising doubts about whether Western brands' return could end up being a mockery.

A public opinion survey on Chinese automobiles in Russia has been released.

More than one-third of Russians believe Chinese cars have already firmly established themselves in the Russian market, according to Drom, a major Russian automotive website, which shared the findings with TASS, the Russian state news agency.

Drom conducted a survey between September 14 and 21, 2026, asking Russian car owners whether Chinese vehicles could maintain their market position if other brands returned. Over 11,000 participants took part.

33% of respondents believe Chinese models have become entrenched in the market and will retain their position or experience only a minor decline in sales. 31% are convinced that with the return of traditional international brands, Chinese car sales would drop significantly—or even disappear entirely. 36% believe global automakers will not formally re-enter the Russian market.

In the Kurgan Region, Republic of Buryatia, and Crimea, 43% of respondents believe Chinese brands will solidify their market presence and remain competitive with Western counterparts. In Leningrad Oblast and Samara Oblast (both at 46%), as well as Sakhalin Island (45%), residents generally expect Western brands will not return. In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and Buryatia (both 42%), and Zabaykalsky Krai (35%), car owners anticipate a significant drop in Chinese vehicle sales.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879484099554307/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.