Intelligent Vehicles Drive Surge in Car Exports to Russia Amid EV Demand

Intelligent Vehicles Transforming Russian Automotive Market
Intelligent vehicles are leading the charge in boosting car exports to Russia, where demand for electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles is soaring. Major Chinese brands such as Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motor, and Geely Auto are at the forefront, especially after Western brands exited the market during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Digital Technology as a Winning Advantage
During the 2025 Auto Shanghai show, Zhou Tian, a senior business development manager at Yandex Auto, highlighted how Chinese vehicles equipped with advanced digital cockpits capture the interests of Russian consumers. He stated, “Digital features give Chinese cars an overwhelming advantage in markets like Russia and Southeast Asia.”
Growing Preference for Chinese Cars
- 47% of Russian car buyers are considering a Chinese brand for their next purchase.
- Chinese car exports to Russia increased by 27% last year, totaling 1.16 million units.
The integration of Yandex software into vehicles allows access to various digital services including mapping and entertainment, appealing massively to tech-savvy Russian consumers.
Market Insights
- Plug-in hybrid cars attract consumers with greener driving options.
- Chinese brands are becoming dominant players in the Russian market, with total sales soaring.
Despite challenges in the global automotive landscape, Russian demand for Chinese cars continues to hold strong, positioning the nation as a crucial market for Chinese manufacturers.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.