Лізинг китайських авто: вигідно для бізнесу?

Leasing Chinese cars is becoming an ever more popular solution for businesses in Russia in 2025. With the rising popularity of brands like Chery, Geely, and BYD, companies are looking for affordable ways to upgrade their fleets, and leasing offers flexible terms and tax benefits. But is it worthwhile for businesses, especially amidst economic instability? In this article, we'll break down the advantages and risks of leasing Chinese vehicles, contract terms, and practical advice for entrepreneurs.

What is leasing and how does it work?

Leasing is a form of long-term hire with the option to purchase the vehicle, where the leasing company buys the car and the business tenant pays monthly instalments. 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 such as VTB Leasing or Sberbank Leasing offer programmes with a down payment from 10% and terms of up to 5 years. This makes leasing a car from China an accessible tool for optimising expenses.

Advantages of Leasing Chinese Cars for Business

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

Furthermore, leasing provides 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 technologies, which enhances the image of the business.

Risks and drawbacks 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 new cars, such as the Geely Monjaro, can 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 tend to depreciate faster than their Japanese or European counterparts. For example, the residual value of a Geely Coolray after 3 years might only be 50%, making buying it outright less appealing.

Leasing Terms for Chinese Cars for Business

Lease terms are dependent on the leasing company and the car model. Usually, the advance payment is 10–30% of the cost, and the term of the agreement is from 1 to 5 years. For example, for a BYD Song Plus costing 3 million roubles with a 15% advance 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 and comprehensive insurance, which increases costs. For example, comprehensive insurance for a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro could cost £25,000 a year, which is an additional burden on 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

Among Chinese autos for leasing, several models stand out. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro attracts with its spacious interior and a price of around £25,000, making it popular for corporate use. The Geely Monjaro, at £28,000, offers modern design and four-wheel drive, suitable for businesses with heavy demands. The BYD Han, costing about £35,000, is interesting due to its electric technologies and low running costs.

Each model has its own peculiarities. The Tiggo 8 Pro is economical but requires regular servicing, whereas the Han wins on eco-friendliness but is reliant on charging infrastructure. The choice depends on the company's needs.

Tax and accounting aspects

Leasing Chinese cars gives businesses tax advantages. Monthly payments can be included as expenses, which reduces corporation tax. For example, a company with a revenue of £10 million a year can save up to £600,000 on taxes if it uses leasing for 5 cars.

However, it's important to account for depreciation. The residual value of the vehicle affects the final benefit. If the car depreciates too quickly, buying it out might not be advantageous. Therefore, the business should consult with an accountant before signing the agreement.

Comparison with purchasing and leasing other brands

When 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 sum upfront, 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 outright more advantageous.

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 £600 a month, whereas a Chery Tiggo 7 would be £400.

Infrastructure and servicing

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

Furthermore, electric models, such as the BYD Han, are reliant on a charging network, which is poorly developed in Russia. For example, in smaller towns, charging stations are rare, which could make leasing such cars difficult.

Leasing Prospects for Chinese Automobiles

By 2030, leasing of Chinese cars could account for up to 25% of the commercial transport market in Russia. Companies such as Sberbank Leasing are already offering special programmes for Chery and Geely brands, which indicates growing interest. Localisation of production, such as 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 attractive. For example, electric vehicle subsidies could reduce the initial down payment.

Is Leasing Beneficial for Small Businesses?

For small businesses, leasing Chinese cars can be a beneficial 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 £350–£450 allow for budget planning.

However, for businesses where resale or long-term operation is important, it's better to consider Japanese or European brands. Chinese cars depreciate in value faster, which reduces the profit upon repurchase.

Практичні рекомендації

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

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

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

The verdict: should your business use leasing?

Leasing Chinese cars is a beneficial tool for business, particularly 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 breaks make this choice even more appealing.

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