Импортозамещение против надёжности, новый бренд АвтоВАЗа, возвращение Соляриса 📺 Новости недели №254

Summary

The transcript discusses the growing popularity of Chinese automaker Great Wall's Tank SUV brand in Russia, which sold nearly 14,000 vehicles in 2022. It also covers quality control issues facing Russian manufacturers like Lada and Kamaz as they scramble to replace imported components, with Kamaz acknowledging a rise in defects despite efforts to digitize quality control systems. Finally, it examines a surge in Russian bus sales, fueled by government loans, with over 16,000 buses sold in 2022. Chinese Yutong emerged as Russia's #2 bus brand, while GAZ's Vector Next model shockingly overtook the iconic PAZ-3205 as the top-selling bus.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sales of Chinese Tank SUV brand grew rapidly in Russia
• 🚗 Tank 500 hybrid model offers more power and seating at lower price
• 🚌 Russian bus sales grew 30% with Vector Next model leading
• 💡 Key role of state lending programs in driving modern bus purchases
• 😥 Quality issues seen for some Russian automakers amid import substitution
• 📈 KAMAZ working to cut customer complaints and defects
• 🚚 KAMAZ expanding quality control and training to boost truck reliability
• 😀 Yutong continued surge makes it #2 Russian bus brand
• ⏳ Delayed government deals spur production scrambles at bus factories
• 🚌 Industry hopes bus fleet renewal rates can hit 10-12% a year

Q & A

When was the Tank brand introduced to the Russian market?

The Tank brand was introduced to the Russian market in the spring of last year.

Which company manufactures the Tank brand vehicles?

The Tank brand vehicles are manufactured by the Chinese company Great Wall.

How many Tank vehicles were sold in the year of its debut?

Almost 14 thousand Tank vehicles were sold in the year of its debut.

What models are available under the Tank brand, and what are their features?

The Tank brand offers the Tank 300 and the Tank 500 models. The Tank 500 also has a hybrid version with a total power output of 300 horsepower, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged engine assisted by a 54-hp electric motor and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

What is the main appeal of Tank vehicles to their target market?

Tank vehicles appeal to a wealthy audience, particularly previous owners of Land Cruisers ("kruzaks"), who are willing to trade in their used vehicles for Chinese alternatives, finding value in trade-in deals.

What distinguishes the hybrid version of the Tank 500?

The hybrid version of the Tank 500 is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, consuming 8.5 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, which is 3 liters less than the version with a V6 engine. It also features a seven-seat cabin but sacrifices the spare tire's traditional location.

What is the price difference between the hybrid and the gasoline-only versions of the Tank 500?

The hybrid Tank 500 is priced at 6,300,000 rubles, which is 600,000 rubles less than the gasoline-only version.

What is the Tank 700, and how was its initial sale received?

The Tank 700 is the largest model of the brand to date, and its initial batch of 70 units was sold out in 55 seconds, despite each vehicle costing nearly 9 million rubles.

What challenges does the Russian automotive industry face regarding import substitution and quality issues?

The Russian automotive industry, while rapidly adapting to produce new components domestically, faces "growth diseases" including quality issues, particularly with Ladas. There's criticism towards Tolyatti-assembled Vestas, mainly regarding onboard electronics failures often fixed by firmware updates.

How is KamAZ addressing quality concerns and import substitution challenges?

KamAZ is addressing quality concerns by developing technical control services, continuing the digitization of quality management systems, launching new internal trainer programs, and setting a goal to reduce complaints about its fifth-generation trucks to stay competitive against Chinese technology.