It became known why Russians are increasingly choosing Chinese cars

In 2023, the number of CASCO contracts concluded by Rosgosstrakh with owners of Chinese cars increased by 236% compared to 2022

Rosgosstrakh and the Avtodom group of companies conducted a study of the preferences of Russian motorists regarding the use of Chinese cars. In short, it turned out that about 54% of respondents changed their opinion about cars from China. Among the advantages, 41% of respondents noted the variety of cars, 24% of respondents consider them a worthy replacement for European cars that have left the market, and 16% believe that "Chinese" cars have an optimal combination of price and quality.

VGV U75 Plus crossover
Image source https://китайские-автомобили.рф/2024/09/02/ceny-na-krossovery-vgv-v-rossii/

At the same time, 33% of respondents said that reliability plays a key role when choosing a car, 24% said price, and 13% said technology and equipment inside the car.

It turned out that almost 35% of respondents already drive Chinese cars. The remaining respondents include 17% who own European cars, 15% American, 14% Korean, 12% domestic, and 7% Japanese. At the same time, a quarter of respondents who drive non-Chinese cars of various production are going to purchase a Chinese car soon, and 12%"do not exclude this possibility in the future."

In the first half of 2024, 417.5 thousand new Chinese cars were sold in Russia, or 58% of the total market volume. Moreover, in Moscow, the share of Chinese cars amounted to 69.9%, in St. Petersburg - 74.5%, in the Kaliningrad region - 78.9%. The greatest demand is observed in regions previously focused on products from Western manufacturers. That is, we are not talking about competition between the Chinese and Russian auto industries, but about Chinese automakers occupying the niche that Western manufacturers who left Russia occupied.

Anna Utkina, Director of Communications at Avtodom Group

However, there are also opponents of the Sinicization of the Russian car market: 18% of respondents. Of these, 11% believe that these cars are inferior in quality to analogues from Korea, Japan or Europe. Another 7% noted that "Chinese" cars break down more often, it is unsafe to drive them, and it is unprofitable to maintain them.

According to Rosgosstrakh, the number of CASCO contracts concluded in 2023 with owners of cars from China increased by 236% compared to 2022. As the portfolio changes, the number of insurance cases with such cars is also growing: in 2022-2023, it increased fourfold. The average payout for repairing such cars has also increased.