The Most Coveted Car In Belarus Unveiled

Belarus has a long history of vehicle production, including trucks, agricultural machinery, and road construction equipment. In 2015, the country took its first steps towards producing its own cars with the BelGee factory, a joint venture with China. The first BelGee car, the Geely Atlas NL3, rolled off the assembly line in 2017. Since then, the Geely brand has become increasingly popular in Belarus, with sales exceeding projections. In 2019, LADA vehicles generated the largest volume of passenger and light commercial vehicle sales in Belarus, followed by Renault. However, in 2023, Geely held the largest market share in the country, with its Emgrand and Coolray models being top-sellers.

Belarus' first car

A Collaboration with China

The Manufacturing Process

The BelGee factory, located between Borisov and Zhodino, was constructed with an investment of $318 million. Over 1,300 people were hired, and the production capacity was set at up to 60,000 cars per year, with the potential for further expansion. The first BelGee car, the Geely Atlas NL3, rolled off the assembly line in November 2017, marking the realisation of President Lukashenko's dream to produce a Belarusian car.

Sales and Marketing

The BelGee faced the challenge of generating sales and establishing a market presence. President Lukashenko encouraged factory staff to buy the cars they produce to promote quality and encouraged the development of a network of service stations across Belarus to facilitate maintenance and repairs. The president also emphasised the importance of technological independence and the establishment of an in-house design bureau at the car-making plant.

Impact on the Automotive Industry

The production of the BelGee holds significant importance in Belarus, receiving the same priority as space projects and nuclear power plant construction. It reflects the country's focus on promoting domestic mechanical engineering and machine tool industries, reducing dependence on foreign equipment imports.

Future Prospects

The success of the BelGee project has led to further initiatives, such as the potential collaboration with the Chinese automobile corporation FAW to launch a production facility in Belarus. This reflects the strengthening of Belarus-China relations and their mutual interest in developing high-tech companies and corporations.

Geely's popularity

Geely is the most popular car in Belarus, with the brand holding a 60.8% market share in the country in 2023. The Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, has been a key figure in the rise of Geely in the country. In 2015, Lukashenko suggested a collaboration with a foreign car manufacturer to produce cars in Belarus using their technology and Belarus' solutions. As a result, Geely began producing cars in collaboration with Chinese manufacturers, and the first Geely Atlas NL3 rolled off the assembly line in November 2017. Lukashenko has supported the brand by banning officials from buying imported cars and encouraging factory staff to buy Geely cars.

The success of Geely in Belarus also highlights the country's focus on developing its domestic mechanical engineering and machine tool industry. Lukashenko has prioritized this sector to reduce dependence on foreign equipment imports. The collaboration with Geely has been a significant project in this regard, with the Belarusian leader stating that it showcases the country's ability to develop high-tech companies and corporations.

Lada's popularity

Lada, a well-known Russian automobile brand, has had a significant presence in Belarus for many years. In 2019, Lada generated the largest volume of passenger and light commercial vehicle sales in the country, with over two-fifths of the total market share. This popularity is further emphasised by their position as the best-selling vehicle brand in 2018 and 2019.

Lada's success in Belarus can be partly attributed to their ability to adapt to market changes. In 2020, despite a steep fall in sales, they managed to maintain their position as the top brand in the country. This resilience showcases their ability to navigate challenging market conditions.

Lada's sales performance in Belarus has been impressive, with year-on-year increases in sales despite challenging market conditions. In 2021, for instance, Lada sales were up 12.8%, even as the Belarusian new car market experienced an overall decline of 11.2%. This performance highlights Lada's ability to attract customers and maintain its market position.

In summary, Lada's popularity in Belarus is the result of a combination of factors, including its long-standing market presence, brand recognition, sales performance, and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The brand has established itself as a trusted and popular choice for Belarusian consumers.

Renault's popularity

In 2011, Renault emerged as a top player in the Belarusian car market, with its model, the Renault Logan, becoming the best-selling car in the country. This marked a significant shift away from Russian-made cars, which had previously dominated the market. The Renault Logan, also known as the Dacia, experienced a remarkable surge in sales, increasing by 98% compared to 2010, and capturing a 3.9% market share. This success positioned Renault as a strong competitor in the Belarusian market, challenging traditional Russian automakers.

In addition to the Renault Logan, Renault has also found success with other models in the Belarusian market. The Renault Sandero, for example, showcased an impressive year-over-year growth in sales, reflecting the brand's ability to offer a diverse range of vehicles that resonate with local consumers.

Furthermore, Renault's collaboration with local partners and adaptation to the Belarusian market have likely contributed to its popularity. By understanding the specific demands and conditions of the local market, Renault has been able to position itself as a trusted and reliable brand for Belarusian consumers, solidifying its presence in the country's automotive landscape.

Chinese influence

In 2023, the most popular car in Belarus was the Geely Emgrand, which held 20.8% of the Belarusian market. Geely, a Chinese brand, was the best-selling car brand in Belarus in 2022 and 2023, with a 60.8% market share in 2023. Geely's success in Belarus is part of a broader trend of Chinese influence in the country's automotive industry.

Belarus and China have generally positive relations, and since becoming independent in 1991, Belarus has sought to develop diplomatic and economic ties with China. In 2011, the two countries agreed to construct an industrial park in Belarus, and after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, Belarus responded positively and sought to align its priorities with the initiative. Under the BRI, construction of the China-Belarus Industrial Park began in 2014, and it is now the largest industrial park built under the initiative, serving as a major channel for Chinese goods entering Europe.

In addition to the construction of the industrial park, there have been several other instances of Chinese influence in Belarus's automotive industry. For example, in 1997, a US satellite photographed one of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant's (MZKT) tractors in China, leading to accusations of reverse engineering by the Chinese. MZKT ultimately decided to assist China in constructing a plant to manufacture similar tractors. This incident demonstrates the Chinese interest in Belarusian automotive technology and the potential for collaboration between the two countries in this sector.

Furthermore, Chinese car brands have made significant inroads into the Belarusian market. As mentioned earlier, Geely has become the top-selling brand in Belarus in recent years. Other Chinese brands have also established a presence in the country, with 189 Chinese car brands available in Belarus as of 2024. The increasing popularity of Chinese car brands in Belarus indicates the growing influence of China in the country's automotive market.

In summary, Chinese influence in Belarus's automotive industry is evident through the positive diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, the construction of the China-Belarus Industrial Park, and the success of Chinese car brands, particularly Geely, in the Belarusian market. These factors suggest that China is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the automotive industry in Belarus.

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