The Russian automotive industry is experiencing one of its deepest crises in decades. The lack of demand for domestic vehicles has forced leading Russian automakers to reduce working weeks or even halt production lines.
This is reported by Finway
Chinese Companies Dominate the Truck Market in Russia
A significant blow to the Russian automotive industry has come from Chinese brands, which swiftly occupied the vacant positions after European companies exited the Russian market in 2022. Today, over 53% of truck sales in Russia are accounted for by Chinese companies. Russian manufacturers have been unable to compete with imports, resulting in a loss of control over their own market.
“Russian truck manufacturers have lost the battle for the domestic market of the Russian Federation to Chinese imports within a few years. After the exit of European companies from the Russian market in 2022, Chinese brands immediately seized the heavy machinery niche. The Russians’ hopes for ‘fruitful cooperation’ have turned into a loss of the domestic market – the Chinese already control over 53% of sales.”
Decline in Production and Reduction of Working Weeks
Over the past year, the sales volumes of Russian trucks have decreased by 19%, and in the first half of 2025, the decline became even more dramatic – sales fell by 56%. This is particularly acute in the segment of long-haul tractors, where the reduction reached 70%.
The lack of demand has forced major manufacturers such as Kamaz, GAZ, and PAZ to switch to a four-day work week or completely suspend operations at their factories.
The crisis situation in the Russian market has also affected Belarusian partners. Belarusian automakers, including the largest state-owned plant MAZ, report being pushed out of the Russian market. In the first half of 2025, MAZ’s sales in Russia decreased by 34%.