Experts from Gazprombank Autoleasing analyzed the automobile market in February 2026. Segment volatility continues to break records, reflecting both fluctuations in demand and the influence of external factors, from exchange rates to government support and discounts.
In the first two months of the year, Russians purchased 158 thousand cars, which is less than in the “fruitful” October of 2025 alone. Almost 78.7 thousand new cars were sold in February, which is 3% more than a year earlier. However, in the Chinese segment, sales amounted to only 30.4 thousand transactions, and the share of Chinese brands in the market decreased from 56% in February 2025 to 39% in February 2026. Experts note that March may bring a slight revival to the market as the quarter closes, but overall passenger car sales are not expected to exceed 90,000 units. At the same time, Chinese-only brands are expected to account for only 32,000-33,000 vehicles.
On the one hand, there is reason for cautious optimism in the market. Despite the VAT increase and new recycling fee rates, February sales did not fall to their three-year low of 55,000 transactions. Nearly 78,700 vehicles were sold in the passenger car segment (up 3% compared to February 2025). On the other hand, the result was 1% lower than January, despite three more business days in February. The decline is more noticeable for certain brands.
Largest market players
- Haval surpassed the 10,000 sales mark, but the result was 5% worse than in January. The Haval Jolion crossover maintained stable performance – 4.3 thousand units, but this was not enough to maintain its status as a leader among foreign cars.
- The Tenet T7 was the bestseller in February – 4.6 thousand sales (+11% compared to January). The growth was supported by significant discounts on cars produced in 2025 – up to 750 thousand rubles. Meanwhile, the smallest model in the family, the Tenet T4, saw sales drop to 3,200 (-22% compared to January), as the discount on it was only 350,000-400,000 rubles. As a result, overall brand sales fell by 4%, to 8,600 vehicles.
- Belgee, which had previously faced a shortage of popular models, has fully restored deliveries. 4,700 vehicles were sold in February—an increase of 135% compared to February 2025 and 59% compared to January 2026. The main contribution was made by the Belgee X50 crossover — 3.5 thousand cars.
- Geely maintains stability (4.7 thousand sales, almost unchanged compared to January). The Monjaro model increased by 500 transactions to 1.8 thousand thanks to discounts of up to 950 thousand rubles, and the Atlas and the new hybrid Galaxy EX5/Starhip 7 demonstrated stable demand (1.1-1.2 thousand units).
- Changan continues to decline in sales — 2.1 thousand cars (-5% compared to January, -51% compared to February 2025). Without active promotion, the brand’s market share will decline.
- In the top 10, only Jetour showed positive dynamics (+15% year-on-year) – 2 thousand cars, although by January there was a drop of 4%. Advertising support in the fall of 2025 no longer has a significant effect.
Among brands with smaller volumes: Exeed, Tank, Jaecoo sold 1.2-1.3 thousand cars, demonstrating a decrease of 17-20% compared to last February. Jaecoo shows 18% growth compared to January thanks to the new budget crossover J6.
Chery continues to wind down its business (1.2 thousand, -86% compared to February 2025), relying on the remaining warehouses – Arrizo 8 and Tiggo 9. Among the less popular Chinese brands, it is worth noting Voyah: thanks to state support for hybrids, sales increased 2.5 times, to 0.9 thousand units.
Market dynamics and forecasts
If March ends with a volume of 85-90 thousand transactions, this will still ensure market growth of 8-10% compared to last year. Meanwhile, the number of purebred Chinese cars sold will continue to decline. By comparison, Chinese brands demonstrated steady growth from 2022 to 2024: 17,000 in February 2022, 39,000 in February 2023, and 61,000 in February 2024. Sales began to decline in 2025, falling to 42,000 vehicles, and only 30,000 in February 2026, with their market share shrinking to 39%. Experts see no signs of a reversal of this trend in March.
Overall, the market remains volatile, with discounts and rebates playing an increasingly important role. While consumers are responding to good deals, overall demand for Chinese brands is declining, creating opportunities for brands that can adapt sales strategies and offer competitive products.
