Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-08-11 06:37Core Viewpoint - The Chinese automotive market in Russia is experiencing a shift from new car sales to a growing demand for used cars, driven by market saturation and changing consumer preferences [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Russian automotive market saw a significant decline in new car sales, with total sales dropping by 29% in 2025, while the market share of Chinese brands reached approximately 55% [2][8]. - In the first half of 2025, Chinese automotive exports to Russia fell by 59.2%, marking the largest decline among the top ten export markets [2][8]. - The used car market in Russia is expanding, with a notable increase in the import of used vehicles, which accounted for 55% of total imports, up from 30% the previous year [12]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Russian consumers are increasingly turning to lower-priced used cars from China as new car purchasing power declines, with a significant portion of the market now favoring 3-5 year old vehicles due to lower disposal taxes compared to new cars [12][13]. - The perception of Chinese vehicles has evolved from curiosity to acceptance, with improvements in service and local repair capabilities boosting consumer confidence [4][12]. Group 3: Export Trends - The export of used cars from China to Russia has surged, with approximately 3,000 used cars exported monthly from Suifenhe, and profits ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for regular models, and up to $3,000 for rare models [13][14]. - The Chinese automotive industry is adjusting its business model to focus more on used cars, with a reported shift to a structure of 70% used cars and 30% new cars [13]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment - Recent policy changes in Russia, including increased taxes on imported vehicles and stricter regulations on vehicle certification, are impacting the export landscape for Chinese automakers [8][9]. - The introduction of higher disposal taxes for new vehicles, set to increase by 10-20% annually until 2030, is expected to further influence consumer choices towards used cars [8][9].