Vendors said this week at the world’s largest auto show that China’s bright vehicles with powerful in-car entertainment, from great video screens to superior stereo, are sure-fire hits in Russia. Drivers and passengers are increasingly adopting online technology, according to vendors.
After American companies stopped selling and marketing their cars in Russia as a result of Russia’s three-year defense invasion of Ukraine, big Chinese carmakers like Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motor, and Geely Auto are the scions and biggest winners. The country of 145 million individuals, which accounts for the majority of China’s exports, is playing catch-up with other Chinese brands by providing them with modern cockpits that are their liking.
At the 2025 Car Shanghai trade show on Thursday, Zhou Tian, a mature business development manager with Moscow-based Google Car, stated that “digital characteristics give Chinese cars an enormous benefits in markets like Russia and Southeast Asia.” Russian car buyers want to purchase vehicles that can integrate [online ] services that their smartphones use daily.
Russia, which was founded in 2016, is looking to work with Taiwanese automakers. Foreign car manufacturers with their places on Russia, Zhou said, received favorable responses from Yandex during the event.
According to him, vehicles that use Google software can offer a wide range of online services in Russia, including mapping, entertainment, meals delivery, and e-commerce.
The majority of Taiwanese vehicles, whether electric or petroleum-powered, are available because their equipment, from the speakers to the screens, are sufficient for the inclusion of our software, Zhou said. They are well-liked by Russian shoppers, they claim.
According to a survey conducted by the Russian polling company Romir last year, about 47 % of car buyers were thinking about including Chinese in their next purchase. More than two-thirds of Russian users said they wanted to learn more about Chinese automobiles, especially their technical features and service features, according to the study.
According to the China Passenger Car Association, exports of Taiwanese vehicles to Russia increased by 27 % to 1.16 million products in the last year from 2023. Mexico came in second place next year, with Chinese companies shipping 445, 000 vehicles.
Russian passenger vehicle sales in 2024 increased by 48 % year over year to 1.57 million units, thanks to the Mainland Chinese carmakers ‘ dominance.
Foreign plug-in hybrid vehicles that combine a diesel engine and an electric motors are particularly welcomed in Russia because they give drivers the opportunity to generate a green vehicle without having to deal with range anxiety, Zhou said.
Russia, which reported that 97 % of Russian Internet users have used its video services, can also help, he said, increase the charm of Chinese cars in additional Russian-speaking regions of central Asia.
China-made vehicles could cost 50 % more in Russia, according to a sales manager at Voyah, a state-owned company that manufactures electric vehicles for Dongfeng Motor. This puts them in the premium category that encourages more Chinese manufacturers to set up stores and sales networks there.
Despite the global price war sweeping the automotive industry, international firm AlixPartners predicted in a research report this week that Russia may continue to be a stabilizing supply of desire for Chinese-made vehicles this time.
Complementary intelligent-driving capabilities are emerging as a crucial competitive tool, further separating China-brand products from those from globally, according to Yvette Zhang, partner of the consultancy. South China Morning Post