Chinese automotive brands face market shifts in Russia and Germany

Chinese automotive brands are facing shifting market dynamics in Russia and Germany, characterized by rising used car availability and declining resale values.

In Russia, the market for used Chinese vehicles saw significant growth in the first eight months of 2026. While new Chinese vehicle registrations fell by 19.8% compared to the previous year, transfers of used Chinese cars increased by 35.6%. Data from Avtostat indicates that the share of Chinese brands in the used car market rose to 5.8% during this period. Notably, listings for Chinese vehicles aged three to seven years increased 2.5 times, creating a cheaper supply of used cars compared to other foreign brands.

In Germany, Chinese electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are experiencing sharper depreciation than the broader market. According to Deutsche Automobil Treuhand, the residual value of these vehicles after three years dropped from 61% in early 2024 to 47.2% by April 2026. This 14-percentage-point decline is double the 7-point drop seen in the general electric vehicle market. Consequently, some German leasing companies are demanding upfront payments to mitigate risks associated with incorporating these brands into their fleets, citing a lack of established dealer networks and certified pre-owned programs.