Experts: Chinese cars set their sights on the premium segment in Russia

Chinese automakers, which once entered the Russian market with cheap models, have in recent years focused on the segment of more expensive crossovers and SUVs. At the same time, they are not in a hurry to occupy the vacant niche of mass foreign cars that have left our country, but, on the contrary, they have aimed at the premium segment. According to Sergei Klimov, a member of the board of directors of DOLAVTO Group of Companies, it is always more profitable to sell more expensive cars than cheap ones, all other things being equal. And since sales volumes from Chinese manufacturers used to be small, the transition to expensive models was a dream of Chinese automakers. However, after some time they will definitely return to a lower price segment. Chery is already diversifying its lineup. As soon as the niche of expensive cars is filled, other manufacturers will pay attention to the economy segment.

In addition to the automakers that already presented in the Russian market, we can expect the emergence of other brands from China. "It is known that compact and medium-sized sedans will return to the Russian market this year, as at least 6 well-known Chinese brands have already announced. I believe that this factor will allow a potential buyer to find a more comfortable price alternative to SUV models. I think that thanks to the appearance of sedans, cars with automatic transmission worth about 1.5 million rubles will again appear in the market. Previously, this market segment was too heavily occupied by localized products of Korean and European companies - it did not make much economic sense to enter it. Now everything is different - the niche is empty! Roman Slutsky, General Director of Alarm-Motors Group of Companies, informed "AUTOSTAT" agency. "Nevertheless, I am sure that Chinese companies will focus not only on relatively low-cost sedans and crossovers in the very near future.

The conquest of the Russian premium car market is their new worthy goal! There is no doubt that this goal is up to them. According to Denis Reshetnikov, head of the dealer direction of the Fresh Auto car dealership network, Chinese automakers are actually trying to occupy the vacant niches in the Russian car market in almost all segments.