Chinese export a trickle of cars to a stagnant Russian market
Chinese automakers' exports to Russia rebounded modestly last month, but overall sales were low as the economy remained mired in recession.
In January, Chinese brands delivered just 2,323 vehicles in Russia, up 10 percent year on year, according to the Moscow-based Association of European Businesses.
The rebound was led by China's two biggest exporters in that market, Chongqing Lifan Industry Group and Geely Automobile Holdings.
Lifan's sales surged 63 percent from a year earlier to 1,244 vehicles, while Geely's deliveries rose 23 percent to 555.
Chery Automobile Co.'s Russian sales edged up 0.9 percent to 232 vehicles, while Brilliance China Automotive Holdings sold 114, up 18 percent.
Other Chinese brands, including Dongfeng, Haima, Changan and BAIC, sold fewer than 100 vehicles apiece last month in Russia. And three Chinese automakers -- Great Wall Motor Co., Jianghuai Automobile Co. and BYD Co. -- didn't sell any vehicles.
Russia is one of the key export markets for Chinese automakers. Last year, total sales of Chinese brands in Russia tumbled nearly 53 percent to 39,085 vehicles.
The rebound was led by China's two biggest exporters in that market, Chongqing Lifan Industry Group and Geely Automobile Holdings.
Lifan's sales surged 63 percent from a year earlier to 1,244 vehicles, while Geely's deliveries rose 23 percent to 555.
Chery Automobile Co.'s Russian sales edged up 0.9 percent to 232 vehicles, while Brilliance China Automotive Holdings sold 114, up 18 percent.
Other Chinese brands, including Dongfeng, Haima, Changan and BAIC, sold fewer than 100 vehicles apiece last month in Russia. And three Chinese automakers -- Great Wall Motor Co., Jianghuai Automobile Co. and BYD Co. -- didn't sell any vehicles.
Russia is one of the key export markets for Chinese automakers. Last year, total sales of Chinese brands in Russia tumbled nearly 53 percent to 39,085 vehicles.
