Chinese Intermediaries Facilitate Foreign Vehicle Influx into Russia
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy TM?
Source: Benzinga
- Market Penetration Acceleration: Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of foreign vehicles, including luxury German brands and popular Japanese models, are reportedly entering Russia through Chinese intermediaries, showcasing a significant evasion of international sanctions.
- Reliance on Informal Networks: Russian dealers are increasingly depending on informal networks to acquire vehicles, with many brand-new cars classified as 'used' to bypass manufacturer controls, indicating a strong demand for high-end vehicles in the market.
- Chinese Automotive Market Advantage: China's heavily subsidized automotive sector enables traders to profitably export surplus vehicles, leading to a growing web of intermediaries connecting Chinese factories with Russian buyers, thus creating a new trade dynamic.
- Active Gray Market: Cars sold at discounts in China often fetch near-new prices in Russia, further incentivizing the expansion of intermediary networks and highlighting the persistent demand for high-end and hybrid vehicles in the Russian market.
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About TM
Toyota Motor Corp is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the automotive business, as well as financial services and other businesses. It operates through three business segments. The Automotive segment designs, manufactures, and sells automobiles, including sedans, minivans, compact cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and trucks, as well as related parts and accessories. The Financial Services segment provides financing and vehicle leasing services to complement the sales of automobiles and other products manufactured by itself and its affiliates. The Other segment engages in information and communications services. It also oversees manufacturing and sales companies, conducts public relations and research activities, oversees financial companies, and develops various mobility products, primarily software.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Market Penetration Acceleration: Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of foreign vehicles, including luxury German brands and popular Japanese models, are reportedly entering Russia through Chinese intermediaries, showcasing a significant evasion of international sanctions.
- Reliance on Informal Networks: Russian dealers are increasingly depending on informal networks to acquire vehicles, with many brand-new cars classified as 'used' to bypass manufacturer controls, indicating a strong demand for high-end vehicles in the market.
- Chinese Automotive Market Advantage: China's heavily subsidized automotive sector enables traders to profitably export surplus vehicles, leading to a growing web of intermediaries connecting Chinese factories with Russian buyers, thus creating a new trade dynamic.
- Active Gray Market: Cars sold at discounts in China often fetch near-new prices in Russia, further incentivizing the expansion of intermediary networks and highlighting the persistent demand for high-end and hybrid vehicles in the Russian market.
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- Smart Tech Features: The new model includes a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display, offering 64 ambient lighting options to enhance user experience, further solidifying Toyota's technological leadership in the electric vehicle market.
- Safety and Convenience: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and various safety technologies, it ensures driving safety while providing features like a power liftgate and smart key for added convenience, enhancing user comfort during driving.
- Production and Market Outlook: The Highlander will be produced at Toyota's Kentucky plant, with sales expected to begin from late 2026 to early 2027, marking a significant step in Toyota's electrification transition, with plans to launch 22 electrified models.
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- Increased Household Tax Burden: U.S. households are projected to face an average tax increase of $1,000 in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026, highlighting the direct economic impact of tariffs on ordinary citizens.
- Tariff Revenue Figures: According to CBP data, the U.S. collected over $200 billion in tariffs between January 20 and December 15, 2025, with total customs revenue for 2025 estimated at $264 billion, yielding a net gain of approximately $132 billion after accounting for economic drag.
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- Policy Shift: The Canadian government has decided to allow the import of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles, reducing tariffs from 106% to 6.1%, which will enable these vehicles to represent about 3% of Canada's new car market and approximately 20% of its battery EV and plug-in hybrid market, aiming to reduce reliance on the U.S. and revitalize domestic manufacturing.
- China-Canada Cooperation: In exchange for tariff reductions, China has agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil, a move that not only enhances Canadian agricultural exports but may also foster joint investments and collaborations in the EV sector, driving manufacturing revival.
- Market Outlook: With expectations for significant growth in the Canadian EV market by 2030, the relatively small import volume of 49,000 vehicles could have a substantial impact if these are primarily affordable models, potentially increasing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles.
- Manufacturing Challenges: Despite having resource advantages, Canada faces challenges in attracting manufacturing investments compared to Mexico and the U.S., where lower manufacturing costs and larger markets prevail, and without further action, Canadian assembly plants may continue to decline.
See More
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- Technological Edge: Joby's S4 eVTOLs utilize tilt-rotor technology, making them faster and more energy-efficient than competitors like Archer Aviation, which could enable Joby to dominate the emerging eVTOL market and replace traditional helicopters.
- Investor Backing: The company has garnered significant support from major investors and customers, including Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and the U.S. Air Force, which not only boosts market confidence but also lays a solid foundation for future growth.
- Acquisition Strategy: Joby's acquisition of Uber's Elevate aerial ride-hailing division in 2020 and Blade's helicopter service last year provides robust support for its future air taxi services, enhancing its operational capabilities.
- Market Outlook: With the FAA expected to approve Joby's first commercial flights this year and the launch of its air taxi services in Dubai, these catalysts could drive its stock price higher, despite a high projected P/E ratio of 47 times its 2027 sales.
See More
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- Market Penetration Acceleration: Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of foreign vehicles, including luxury German brands and popular Japanese models, are reportedly entering Russia through Chinese intermediaries, showcasing a significant evasion of international sanctions.
- Reliance on Informal Networks: Russian dealers are increasingly depending on informal networks to acquire vehicles, with many brand-new cars classified as 'used' to bypass manufacturer controls, indicating a strong demand for high-end vehicles in the market.
- Chinese Automotive Market Advantage: China's heavily subsidized automotive sector enables traders to profitably export surplus vehicles, leading to a growing web of intermediaries connecting Chinese factories with Russian buyers, thus creating a new trade dynamic.
- Active Gray Market: Cars sold at discounts in China often fetch near-new prices in Russia, further incentivizing the expansion of intermediary networks and highlighting the persistent demand for high-end and hybrid vehicles in the Russian market.
See More
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- Offer Price Unchanged: Despite the extension, the offer price remains unchanged, which may influence investor decisions and ensure the attractiveness of the acquisition amidst ongoing negotiations.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Following the announcement, Toyota Industries' shares briefly rose to 20,000 yen from around 19,400 yen, closing up 1.2% at 19,910 yen, indicating market optimism regarding the acquisition's potential success.
- Facing Strong Opposition: The acquisition faces strong opposition from U.S. activist Elliott Investment Management, which could pose challenges to Toyota's acquisition strategy and impact its implementation plans.
See More
