Как разобраться в китайских машинах / Редакция. Контекст

Summary

This transcript covers a discussion about the rise of Chinese cars in Russia. It describes how Chinese brands like Geely, Chery and Haval have flooded the Russian market since Western brands left. Experts and owners compare these cars to European models, analyzing their strengths like affordability and modern tech and weaknesses like poor sound insulation. The transcript also covers upcoming Chinese electric cars in Russia, opinions on whether Chinese brands can compete with premium Germans, and China's ambitions in other markets globally. Overall, it explores the growing Chinese auto industry and its fit in Russia given geopolitics and consumer tastes.

Takeaways

• 😀 China became the top car exporter in the world as sales of Chinese cars in Russia boomed after Western brands left.
• 👍 Popular Chinese crossovers like Chery Tiggo, Haval Jolion and MG ZS make up Russia's best sellers list.
• 🚗 Chinese cars offer modern features like adaptive cruise control and 360 cameras at relatively low prices.
• ⛽ But Chinese cars lack diesel engines, only offering gasoline or hybrid powertrains in Russia.
• 🔧 Aftersales support from Chinese brands is still unproven long-term, especially for parts supply.
• 🔋 Chinese EV brands like BYD are selling well in Russia, aided by China's lead in electrification.
• 💰 High logistics costs make cheap Chinese cars unprofitable to import, keeping prices inflated.
• 🇷🇺 Local production of Chinese cars in Russia is ramping up, which could eventually cut costs.
• 🚜 Interesting Chinese pickups and commercial vehicles haven't reached Russia yet.
• 😕 Most Chinese cars still can't match European brands for cabin noise isolation and ride comfort.

Q & A

What was the trend in car exports from China in 2022?

In 2022, China became the world's top exporter of cars, setting a new record. This growth was largely driven by booming sales of Chinese cars in Russia after Western brands exited the market.

Which Chinese SUV models are popular in Russia?

Some popular Chinese SUV models in Russia include the Haval Jolion, GAC Motor GS8, Chery Tiggo, and Great Wall WEY VV7.

What are some weaknesses of Chinese cars compared to European models?

Common weaknesses cited for Chinese cars vs European models are poorer noise insulation, rougher rides, less powerful engines, and reputation for lower safety and build quality.

How do Chinese EVs perform in cold winter conditions?

Modern Chinese EVs are capable of operating normally even at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Battery cooling is more of an issue for them in hot summer conditions.

Why are some premium Chinese cars still imported unofficially outside authorized dealers?

There is greater profit margin for unofficial importers to bring in premium Chinese SUVs outside authorized dealer networks, despite higher risks.

What is the outlook for Chinese car prices in Russia in 2023?

Experts forecast Chinese car prices will continue slowly rising in 2023 but expect some localized discounting where dealers need to sell excess inventory.

What is the minimum pricing segment reserved for Russian automaker AvtoVAZ?

The industry view is that the budget segment up to 2 million rubles is protected for AvtoVAZ to defend domestic manufacturing.

What is the degree of localization at the Moscow ZIL factory assembling Chinese vehicle kits?

The Moscow ZIL factory is currently engaged in large scale knockdown assembly of partially complete vehicle kits shipped from China.

Which overseas markets are China auto companies focused on for expansion over the next few years?

With growth constraints in mature markets, China auto firms see countries in BRICS and other developing regions as prime targets for market entry over the 2023-2026 timeline.

How receptive are Chinese automakers to setting up manufacturing plants in Russia?

Chinese automakers have relatively low interest in Russia production given its small market size and high risks of secondary sanctions if geopolitics shift.