“Hybrid and Electric Models Are the Most Popular Chinese Cars in Georgia”: Carmark

Interest in Chinese cars is growing in Georgia, according to Irakli Kukhianidze, director of Carmark. Speaking on the television programme Business Partner, he said inquiries about Chinese models on the company’s platform have risen significantly.

“Previously, demand for Chinese cars was nowhere near this level. Since the summer, 70% of the inquiries we have received have been about Chinese models,” Kukhianidze said.

He attributed the shift partly to new regulations that have made importing used cars into Georgia more expensive. As a result, buyers are considering new Chinese cars that they can purchase for a similar amount. Among Chinese vehicles, hybrids and electric cars are seeing the strongest demand, while petrol and diesel models are less popular.

Kukhianidze said competitive prices and the growing availability of servicing and spare parts in Georgia are also encouraging buyers to consider Chinese brands.

“People are gradually thinking about switching to Chinese cars. The law makes it more expensive to import an older vehicle, and for the same budget, they can now buy a new Chinese car. Service options and spare parts are gradually becoming available too,” he said.

In Kukhianidze’s view, Georgian car dealers should respond by focusing more on China. Carmark is already planning to retrain staff for this area of the business.

“I’ve been in this business for 23 years, and I’ve never seen our sector in this position. It will take time to replenish the market through imports from the United States, so businesses should shift their focus towards China to help restore balance,” he said.