Over 200 Chinese Car Dealerships Shut Down in Russia

In the first quarter of 2025, more than 210 Chinese dealerships closed across Russia — three times more than in the same period last year, according to Gazprombank Autoleasing.

A Market Under Pressure

The closures highlight a growing issue in Russia’s auto industry: oversaturation. Too many dealerships are chasing too few buyers.

Smaller Brands Take the Biggest Hit

Brands like Bestune, Kaiyi, and DFM saw the sharpest declines, closing dozens of locations in Q1 alone.

Even Top Players Are Feeling the Heat

Well-established names like Geely, Jetour, Jaecoo, and LiAuto also appeared in the top 10 for dealership closures for the first time.

Investors Losing Confidence

“Unlike the previous two years, Chinese dealerships began to actively lose investors,” Gazprombank Autoleasing said, citing a sharp pullback in local confidence.

A Record Year for Closures?

If current trends continue, 2025 may set a record for dealership shutdowns, with the number of active Chinese showrooms potentially falling below 4,000.

A Divided Market

While brands like Chery, Geely, and Changan still dominate with 600+ showrooms combined, lesser-known brands like Livan, SWM, and Foton are struggling for survival.

Too Many Cars, Too Little Difference

“There are too many Chinese showrooms,” said Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem magazine.
He cited repetitive designs and overlapping price points as key market issues.

Dealers Feel the Squeeze

Nikolai Ivanov from Rolf Group pointed out that most Chinese cars are priced in the 2–3 million ruble range, where competition is particularly fierce.

China Still Dominates Russian Auto Sales

Despite recent setbacks, Chinese automakers remain dominant — making up 68% of all new car sales in Russia by the end of 2024.

Reality Check for China’s Auto Ambitions

While Haval, Chery, and Geely lead the charts, the shakeout in 2025 could redefine the landscape — favoring strong brands and weeding out weaker entrants.