Russians are showing a significant trend of avoiding newly purchased cars from China, with numerous reasons cited.
The Shift in the Russian Car Market: A New Era
The Russian automobile market is experiencing a transformation, moving away from the widespread adoption of Chinese vehicles following three years of rapid growth. This revelation comes courtesy of Sergei Tselikov, the big boss at the agency "Autostat." As he points out, the cry for "Not Chinese" is becoming increasingly common.
The crux of the issue? Quality concerns. As Tselikov expresses, Chinese cars aren't quite hitting the mark. "Something breaks, there are problems with service and spare parts," he laments. This realization has driven some buyers to hold out for the return of established brands, while others are on the hunt for suitable alternatives.
At present, Lada serves as the sole budget choice, while Chinese brands reign supreme in the segment above 2 million rubles. Korean brands like the Solaris are gradually re-emerging, but their market share remains minuscule. Parallel imports account for around 6-7% of the market, which Tselikov deems a "niche tale."
"Everyone is waiting for the comeback of the old brands, and I think it's coming, but with inflated prices and strategies like the Solaris," Tselikov implies.
As for prices, Tselikov predicts they'll remain fairly steady in 2025 and won't drop. The reasoning? A car carries a hefty currency component, even with Lada, making up around 40%. There are discounts available, but they're primarily offered by struggling or soon-to-depart brands.
By the). The year's forecast calls for a 15% decline in sales to 1.3-1.4 million cars. A drastic price plummet isn't foreseen, but neither is an increase if the ruble maintains its current stance. For now, the best moment to buy would be during major sales, which temporarily slash costs.
Tselikov stated during an interview with zr.ru, "Once the 2024 stock is sold out, prices won't surge excessively. However, since there won't be any discounts, everything will become pricier."
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- With the decline in Chinese vehicle sales and the increasing demand for quality, the Russian automotive industry may see a resurgence of established brands in the market, potentially leading to a rise in prices.
- In the realm of finance, buyers in the Russian automotive market are advised to take advantage of discounts during major sales events to secure their purchases, as prices could rise after the sell-out of the 2024 stock.