Online platform Avito Auto and digital agency Kodix conducted a joint study among Russians and found out their plans for purchasing a new car, their attitude to car brands from the Middle Kingdom, as well as the qualities that they can highlight from Chinese cars. The survey involved 10,000 respondents aged 18-55 throughout Russia.
More than half of the respondents (namely 56%) were among those who are planning to buy a new car or They don’t know yet whether they will buy, they have a positive attitude towards modern models of Chinese brands. Only 9% have a negative attitude. Men were slightly more negative (12% vs. 7% for women). While among young people (18-24 years old) there are more of those who have a positive attitude towards Chinese brands.
Russians named the main advantages of Chinese cars: wide offer and choice on the domestic market in various classes — from economy to luxury (42%), lower price compared to Western brands (37%), as well as availability official deliveries and the appearance of fresh models at car dealers (31%).
Russians noted the weaknesses of Chinese cars: frequent breakdowns and the need for repairs (33%), less prestige compared to other Western brands (31%), as well as distrust in the country of origin of the car (29%). Young people (18-24 years old) most often pointed out the limited choice of cars in the premium and luxury categories (20%) and the lack of tuning possibilities (13%).
The study also revealed that only 4 % of Russians today own Chinese cars. At the same time, more than a quarter of Russians surveyed are planning or considering purchasing models from Chinese brands (27%). Most of these people are in Moscow (32%), as well as St. Petersburg and cities with a population of over a million (29%, respectively).