Russian government customers have shifted to using Chinese cars. In the first quarter of 2023, against the backdrop of European car brands exiting Russia, the number of car purchases by the Russian government accelerated. In contrast, the overall demand for the domestic automotive industry in Russia has not surged.

Analysts say the Russian government has almost suspended purchasing European cars. For example, in the first quarter of 2022, before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia held 22 Renault car procurement tenders, but there have been only two so far in 2023.

The Russian government has turned to Chinese automakers instead of European automakers. Haval Motors has won 8 procurement bids, only 1 last year. Chery Motors has won 3, not even a year ago. Geely Motors has won 2 this year, and not last year. Therefore, it is clear that Russian procurement is interested in Chinese automotive products

Although the overall demand for the domestic automotive industry in Russia has not increased, it has remained stable. Analysts say that the Russian domestic car brand GAZ has received 156 bids (128 a year ago), while the number of bids received by LADA Motors has decreased from 164 to 152.

The quantity and amount of cars purchased by the Russian government in the first quarter of 2023 were lower than the same period last year: a decrease of 14.8% (from 3812 to 3245) and 17.7% (from 41.6 billion rubles to 34.2 billion rubles), respectively. The number of suppliers signing automobile supply contracts also decreased by 19.1%.

The economy sedans Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris, as well as Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid cars, were once very popular in Russia, but their inventory has been depleted.