Jobaaj Stories
As Western automakers exit Russia due to sanctions, Chinese brands are stepping up to fill the gap, offering rebranded models such as the popular Nissan Patrol. This shift is reshaping the Russian automotive market and bringing new competition to the forefront.
Russia's Automotive Landscape After Sanctions
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Western companies pulled out of the Russian market due to sanctions. The absence of major European car manufacturers left a gap that Chinese automakers swiftly filled. In this vacuum, Chinese brands have been expanding their presence, flooding the market with rebranded vehicles, many of which are based on models previously unavailable in Russia.
Nissan Patrol Returns to Russia via China
One of the most notable reintroductions to the Russian market is the Nissan Patrol, a vehicle previously offered as the 2025 Nissan Armada in North America. Nissan pulled out of Russia in 2022 and sold its operations to NAMI, a state-owned entity, for a nominal price of just 1 Euro. However, the Nissan Patrol will make a comeback in Russia, not under its original Nissan branding, but as a rebadged model produced by China’s Otting.
Otting, a relatively unknown company outside Russia, is set to sell the rebranded Patrol in Russia starting in 2026. This will be the only Japanese SUV in its class to be officially sold in Russia. The vehicle will be manufactured at Zhengzhou Nissan’s plant in China, a joint venture between Dongfeng and Nissan.
Other Chinese Offerings in Russia
Otting is not stopping at the Nissan Patrol. The company has plans to introduce other vehicles to the Russian market. Among these is the Rich 7 pickup, based on the Nissan Navara. It will come with a choice of two engine options: a 228 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a 166 hp 2.3-liter turbodiesel. The Rich 7 will also offer both manual and automatic transmission options.
In addition, Otting is planning the launch of the Z9 pickup truck in late 2025. This vehicle, which features an original Chinese design, will come with a hybrid powertrain. The Z9 will combine a 147-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 212-hp electric motor, offering a maximum range of 1,100 km (683 miles). The truck’s distinctive design will include a bold grille, "Z"-shaped light patterns, and a large infotainment screen.
What This Means for Russia's Car Market
These vehicles will bring new, competitive options to Russian consumers as Chinese automakers continue to take advantage of the void left by Western companies. With more models like the Nissan Patrol and the upcoming Z9 and Rich 7, the Russian market is likely to see a growing presence of Chinese car brands in the coming years.
Nissan Patrol and Other Chinese Vehicles Specifications
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Conclusion
The absence of Western automakers in Russia has opened the door for Chinese companies to step in and reshape the country's automotive landscape. With Otting’s upcoming rebranded Nissan Patrol, alongside other vehicles like the Rich 7 and Z9 pickups, Russian consumers will have access to a diverse range of new options. These developments highlight how Chinese automakers are capitalizing on the vacuum left by their Western counterparts, offering innovative and competitive alternatives. As sanctions continue to affect the Russian market, Chinese vehicles are set to become an increasingly significant presence, bringing fresh competition and choice to car buyers in Russia.
