Chinese Cars in Georgia

In recent years, the range of Chinese cars available on the Georgian market has grown considerably. More new car brands are entering the country every year and, most interestingly, their model lineups are increasingly dominated by electric and hybrid vehicles.

The dynamics of Chinese car imports are interesting for more than just statistical reasons. The specific types of models that are most in demand tell us a lot about the changing priorities of Georgian drivers when buying a car, and what offerings and services the local market should consider developing for the future.

Chinese Imports Grow Even as the Overall Market Declines

According to the latest data from Geostat, 5,168 passenger cars were imported into Georgia from China in January-July 2026. In the same period of the previous year, this figure was 3,402. This represents an increase of approximately 52%. The value of these imports also grew - from 28.4 million to almost 49 million US dollars.

Interestingly, in the same period, the total import value of passenger cars decreased by 12.8%. Within this category, China's share grew from approximately 1.2% to 2.4%. However, this represents the share of import value, not the number of cars sold. While the share of Chinese brands remains small, the dynamic is what's noteworthy: despite the generally conservative preferences of Georgian drivers, sales of Chinese cars are on the rise, even as the segment as a whole is experiencing a decline.

Georgian importers have taken careful note of these statistics - alongside the growth in imports, direct partnerships with Chinese automakers are also on the rise. One of the latest examples of such a successful partnership is the collaboration between Li Auto and the Georgian multi-sector business group DMG Group, through which the brand opened an official representative office in Georgia in 2025. The exclusive agreement designates DMG Group as the official dealer for Li Auto vehicles. This means the manufacturer is directly involved in every stage of the vehicle sales process in Georgia.

It should be noted, however, that statistics on vehicle imports from China do not reflect the Georgian market alone. Imported cars are often re-exported from Georgia for sale in other countries. To determine local demand, sales and registration data are required. In January-July 2026, passenger car exports from the country reached approximately 1.16 billion US dollars, accounting for 24.9% of total exports (though this figure includes all brands, not just Chinese vehicles). These statistics are a reminder that the Georgian auto market serves more than just domestic consumption. Given this context, the presence of an official dealership is a particularly important indicator for the local market.

Regarding the local market specifically, data from Tegeta Holding shows that in the first half of 2026, new car sales saw a 30% increase in the electric vehicle segment, a 70% increase for Chinese brands, and the highest growth of approximately 100% in hybrid vehicles. In the used car market, these figures are even higher. All available data points to one conclusion: demand for Chinese vehicles and innovative technologies is growing.

The rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles directly highlights the need to expand charging infrastructure. DMG Group took both of these aspects into account before entering the auto sector and developed its strategy accordingly.

Chinese Cars Pose Significant Competition to Legacy Brands in the Premium Segment

The expansion of Chinese manufacturers is not a phenomenon exclusive to Georgia. The local market is just a small part of a wave that has taken on a global scale. According to the International Energy Agency's 2026 report, global sales of new electric vehicles surpassed 20 million in 2025. Chinese automakers accounted for 60% of these sales (though it should be noted that the agency counts both fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles together). The IEA also assesses that intense competition in their domestic market is pushing Chinese manufacturers to expand abroad.

Whereas just a few years ago, Chinese brands were considered an economy option for European buyers, today Chinese premium electric vehicles are one of the fastest-growing segments. For example, the aforementioned Li Auto primarily produces premium models. The bulk of its global lineup is comprised of fully electric and extended-range (EREV) vehicles designed for family and daily use.

For Georgian consumers, this shift in the global market brings a practical benefit - today, Chinese cars in Tbilisi are far easier to purchase than they were even five years ago. The technical capabilities of a new Chinese premium model often far surpass those of a conventional car, and a buyer can potentially acquire one for the same price, or an even more favorable one.

Moreover, global experience shows that brand names and logos do not hold as much sway today as they did a decade ago. History and status matter less when the market offers technical innovations at an affordable price. According to Deloitte's 2026 global study, only 39% of British drivers had purchased a car from the same brand they previously owned. Brand loyalty was even lower among Asian consumers - 70% of respondents in Southeast Asia planned to switch car brands in the future.

At the same time, interest is growing specifically in Chinese brands. In a 2025 study by Boston Consulting Group, up to 20% of European consumers surveyed indicated their willingness to purchase a Chinese car. This willingness was even higher in Latin America - 36% of respondents in Brazil would be willing to own a Chinese car. Rising sales figures show that openness to Chinese brands is increasing, even in relatively conservative markets.

However, success in a new market requires more than just introducing a new product catalog. The key factor is the market's readiness for certain changes. For the electric vehicle segment to grow, for example, expanding the infrastructure for EV chargers in Georgia is essential. DMG Group has been proactive on this front - its subsidiary, Moveo, is working on this very issue: as of September 25, 2026, Moveo chargers are installed at 11 locations. The goal is to expand the network in line with growing demand, extending its coverage to the regions.

Why Li Auto Partnered with DMG Group: The Importance of Local Market Trust

A wider selection gives buyers a greater basis for comparison, but it doesn't automatically create trust. This is especially true when it comes to premium-segment vehicles and new technologies. Europe, despite everything, remains a conservative market, and Georgia is no exception. Despite a growing openness over the last five years, European consumers need a guarantee that they are paying for quality. In the past, a well-known logo was that mark of quality. Today, loyalty to legacy brands has diminished, but that doesn't mean consumers are willing to pay for an empty promise.

This is precisely where the importance of having a trusted local partner becomes clearest. A new brand receives reputational support. If its partner is already familiar to locals, trust in the new brand increases as well.

DMG Group has built up social capital based on its success in other sectors. For example, DMG's involvement with the Rustavoil oil refinery significantly increased bitumen production. Today, Rustavoil supplies over 50% of the Georgian market, whereas previously, bitumen was an entirely imported product in Georgia. In addition, DMG is involved in the agro-sector (it owns blueberry plantations), logistics, real estate development, etc.

While the share of imports from China is still a small part of the overall picture, it is already a factor that must be taken into account. The market for Chinese cars in Georgia is one of the fastest-growing. Today, Chinese cars offer consumers one of the best balances of technical innovation, quality, and price. Even among the most conservative consumers, there is a growing willingness to replace a well-known European or American brand with a Chinese car. In this transformation of demand, trust becomes the key factor - trust in both the brand itself and its local partner.