Hongqi cars can be assembled in Russia

Hongqi has started thinking about localization of cars in Russia. The assembly of cars in the country is possible after reaching certain sales volumes, said Ivan Saveliev, the brand's executive director in Russia.

"Localization of production is a natural stage in the development of a foreign car brand. We have made a big breakthrough in the Russian market, but the potential is much greater in the premium segment. Some of our cars may become less competitive with an increase in recycling fees and customs duties, so we see the feasibility of localization after reaching certain sales volumes," Kommersant quoted Savelyev as saying on May 29.

In the two years of its presence in the Russian market, Hongqi has sold over 11,000 vehicles. According to the top manager, in 2025 the company plans to sell 12 thousand cars, as well as increase the number of dealers from 37 to 60 across the country. Despite the overall 45% drop in the market in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, Hongqi sales increased by 51% over the same period, he said.

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Earlier, on May 26, the Russian representative office of Hongqi said that by the end of 2025, the brand's model range in Russia will expand to 10 cars. Sales of three new products will begin in the coming months. Sales of the Hongqi H6 will begin in Russia on June 4. The five-meter liftback will be offered with a turbocharged two-liter engine with a capacity of 245 hp (380 Nm) paired with an eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive.