With large screens and high-quality audio systems, Chinese cars are ready to run infotainment software Russian drivers favour, vendor says. — SCMP
China’s smart vehicles with sophisticated in-car entertainment – from huge video screens to advanced stereo – are sure-fire hits in Russia, where drivers and passengers are increasingly embracing digital technology, vendors said this week during the world’s largest auto show.
Major Chinese carmakers including Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motor and Geely Auto are the vanguards and biggest winners in Russia, after Western brands stopped selling and marketing their vehicles in the country amid Russia’s three-year military invasion of Ukraine. Other Chinese brands are playing catch-up in the nation of about 145 million people – the largest export destination for Chinese cars – by offering digital cockpits that are to their liking.
“Digital features give Chinese cars an overwhelming advantage in markets like Russia and Southeast Asia,” said Zhou Tian, a senior business development manager with Moscow-based Yandex Auto, during the 2025 Auto Shanghai trade show on Thursday. “Russian car buyers want vehicles that integrate [online] services that they use every day on their smartphones.”
Yandex, established in 2016, is looking to partner with Chinese automotive firms. During the show, Yandex received positive responses from Chinese car assemblers with their sights set on Russia, Zhou said.
Cars with Yandex software can deliver a wide range of digital services in Russia, encompassing mapping, entertainment, food delivery and e-commerce, he said.
“Most Chinese cars, petroleum-powered or electric, are ready because their hardware, from screens to speakers, is good enough for the integration of our software,” Zhou said. “They are well received by Russian consumers.”
About 47% of car buyers were considering buying Chinese in their next purchase, according to a survey last year by the Russian polling agency Romir. More than two-thirds of Russian consumers said that they would like to receive more information about Chinese-made cars, particularly the cars’ technical specifications and service features, the survey said.
Chinese vehicle exports to Russia jumped 27% last year to 1.16 million units, compared with 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association. In second place was Mexico, where Chinese brands shipped 445,000 vehicles last year.
Mainland Chinese carmakers dominate the Russian market, where total passenger vehicle sales in 2024 jumped 48% year on year to 1.57 million units.
Chinese plug-in hybrid cars, which combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, are especially welcomed in Russia as they offer drivers the option to drive a greener vehicle without range anxiety, Zhou said.
Yandex, which said 97% of Russian Internet surfers have used its multimedia services, can also help broaden the appeal of Chinese cars in other Russian-speaking countries in central Asia, he added.
China-made cars could cost 50% more in Russia, putting them in the premium bracket that lures more Chinese assemblers to set up showrooms and sales networks there, said a sales manager at Voyah, which makes EVs for state-owned Dongfeng Motor.
Russia would continue to be a stabilising source of demand for Chinese-made cars this year despite the global tariff storm gripping the automotive industry, Global consultancy AlixPartners said in a research report this week.
“Complimentary intelligent-driving features are emerging as a key competitive tool, further distinguishing China-brand offerings from overseas offerings,” said the consultancy’s partner Yvette Zhang. – South China Morning Post
