Лизинг китайских авто: выгодно ли для бизнеса?

Leasing Chinese cars is becoming an increasingly popular solution for businesses in Russia in 2025. With the growing popularity of brands such as Chery, Geely and BYD, companies are seeking affordable ways to update their vehicle fleets, and leasing offers flexible terms and tax benefits. But is it beneficial for business, especially in an environment of economic instability? In this article, we will analyse the advantages and risks of leasing Chinese cars, contract terms and practical advice for entrepreneurs.

What is leasing and how does it work?

Leasing is a form of long-term rental with the option to buy the vehicle, where the leasing company purchases the car and the business renter makes monthly payments. At the end of the contract term, the business can buy the car at its residual value or return it. Leasing Chinese cars is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized businesses, as it avoids large initial investments.

In Russia, leasing is regulated by law, and companies like VTB Leasing or Sberbank Leasing offer programmes with down payments from 10% and terms of up to 5 years. This makes leasing cars from China an accessible tool for optimising expenses.

Benefits of leasing Chinese cars for business

One of the main advantages of leasing Chinese cars is capital saving. Instead of spending £20,000 on buying a new Geely Atlas, a business can lease it with a deposit of £2,000 and monthly payments of around £400. This allows funds to be directed towards the company's development.

Furthermore, leasing offers tax benefits. Monthly payments can be accounted for as expenses, which reduces the taxable base. For example, a company on a simplified tax system can save up to 20% on taxes by leasing Chinese cars. Moreover, new models, such as the BYD Han, are often equipped with modern technology, which enhances the business's image.

Risks and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car from China

Despite the advantages, leasing Chinese cars has its risks. Firstly, reliability is questionable. Older generation models, such as the Chery Amulet, had issues with electronics and corrosion, and even newer cars, such as the Geely Monjaro, may require frequent servicing. For example, owners note suspension wear after 50,000 km.

Secondly, reselling cars at the end of the lease can be tricky. Chinese cars depreciate faster than their Japanese or European counterparts. For example, the residual value of a Geely Coolray after 3 years could be as little as 50% of the original price, making a buy-out less advantageous.

Leasing Terms for Chinese Vehicles for Business

Leasing terms depend on the leasing company and the car model. Typically, the down payment is 10–30% of the cost, and the contract term is from 1 to 5 years. For example, for a BYD Song Plus costing 3 million roubles with a 15% down payment (450,000 roubles), the monthly payment could be around 50,000 roubles over a 3-year term.

Additionally, lessors may require third-party liability (MTPL) and comprehensive (CASCO) insurance, which increases expenses. For example, CASCO for a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro could cost £25,000 a year, adding extra pressure to the budget. Furthermore, it's important to consider mileage restrictions and the technical condition of the car at the end of the term.

Popular models for leasing

Several Chinese cars stand out for leasing. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is attractive due to its spacious interior and a price of around 2.5 million roubles, making it popular for corporate use. The Geely Monjaro, with a price of 2.8 million roubles, offers modern design and all-wheel drive, which is suitable for businesses with heavy demands. The BYD Han, costing around 3.5 million, is interesting due to its electric technologies and low running costs.

Each model has its own specific features. The Tiggo 8 Pro is economical but requires regular maintenance, whereas the Han excels in environmental friendliness but is dependent on charging infrastructure. The choice depends on the company's needs.

Tax and accounting aspects

Leasing Chinese cars offers businesses tax advantages. Monthly payments can be included in expenses, reducing corporation tax. For example, a company with an income of £10 million a year could save up to £600,000 in taxes if it uses leasing for 5 cars.

However, it's important to consider depreciation. The residual value of the car affects the overall benefit. If the car loses value too quickly, a buy-out may not be worthwhile. Therefore, businesses should consult with an accountant before signing the agreement.

Comparison with purchasing and leasing other brands

Comparing leasing Chinese cars with buying, the benefit is obvious for businesses with limited capital. Buying a Toyota RAV4 for 3.5 million requires the full amount up front, whereas leasing a Geely Atlas for 2 million allows you to spread the payments. However, Japanese cars, such as the Honda CR-V, offer a greater residual value, which makes buying them out more profitable.

Compared to leasing European brands like Volkswagen, Chinese cars win on price but lose on reputation and reliability. For example, leasing a Volkswagen Tiguan might cost £60,000 a month, whereas a Chery Tiggo 7 costs £40,000.

Infrastructure and maintenance

The infrastructure for servicing Chinese cars in Russia is developing, but still lags behind Western brands. Leasing Chinese cars requires the presence of dealerships, such as the Chery network in Moscow or Geely in St. Petersburg. In regions such as Siberia, access to spare parts may be limited, which increases downtime.

Furthermore, electric models, such as the BYD Han, rely on a charging network, which is poorly developed in Russia. For example, charging stations are rare in smaller towns, which may hinder the use of such cars in leasing.

Prospects for leasing Chinese cars

By 2030, leasing of Chinese cars could account for up to 25% of the commercial transport market in Russia. Already, companies such as Sberbank Leasing are offering special programmes for brands Chery and Geely, which indicates a growing interest. Localisation of production, for example, the assembly of BYD in Kaliningrad, will improve the availability of spare parts and reduce costs.

Furthermore, the development of electric vehicles and government support for green technologies could make leasing Chinese cars even more appealing. For example, subsidies for electric vehicles could reduce the initial deposit.

Is leasing beneficial for small businesses?

For small businesses, leasing Chinese cars can be a cost-effective solution. Companies with a fleet of 3–5 vehicles, such as taxis or delivery services, can save up to 30% of capital by leasing a Geely Coolray or Chery Tiggo 7. Monthly payments of £300–£400 allow for budget planning.

However, for businesses where resale or long-term operation are important, it's better to consider Japanese or European brands. Chinese cars lose value faster, which reduces the profit on buybacks.

Practical recommendations

To get the most out of leasing Chinese cars, follow these tips:

• Choose popular models with a well-developed service network, such as the Chery Tiggo 8 or the Geely Atlas.
• Examine the terms of the agreement, including the residual value and mileage restrictions.
• Compare offers from lessors such as VTB Leasing or Sberbank Leasing.
• Factor in insurance and maintenance costs into the budget.
• Consult with an accountant to optimise your taxes.

For example, choosing a Geely Monjaro with a 20% down payment and insurance from Rosgosstrakh could reduce overall costs by 10–15% compared to other options.

In conclusion: Is leasing a worthwhile option for businesses?

Leasing Chinese cars is a beneficial tool for business, especially for the small-to-medium sector, where capital saving and access to modern technology are important. Models such as the BYD Han or Chery Tiggo 8 offer a balance of price and functionality, and tax benefits make this choice even more attractive.

However, the risks associated with reliability and resale require careful consideration. If the business is prepared for regular maintenance and has access to servicing, leasing Chinese cars in 2025 could be a reasonable decision. Otherwise, it's worth considering alternative options, such as leasing Japanese brands.