Sanctions Aside, Russia Receives Nissan's New Patrol from China | Carscoops

      When Western automakers withdrew from the Russian market, Chinese companies seized the opportunity, with one planning to introduce a rebranded Patrol.

      Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western car manufacturers exited due to sanctions imposed by the West. This left a gap in Russia’s automotive market that China capitalized on by supplying its own vehicles.

      Among these companies, Otting intends to sell the Chinese-manufactured Nissan Patrol in Russia starting next year.

      Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western sanctions severely impacted Russia's automotive industry, leading many European brands to leave. The Chinese automotive sector then stepped in to fill the void, rapidly increasing the availability of cars in a market that was in need due to the exodus of competitors.

      Interestingly, due to partnerships with Western automakers, the Chinese are now able to offer rebranded vehicles that are otherwise unavailable in Russia. An example of this is the latest Nissan Patrol, known as the 2025 Armada in North America. It's worth noting that Nissan exited the Russian market in 2022, transferring its operations to state-owned NAMI for a nominal sum of just 1 Euro.

      The rebranded Patrol will be offered by Otting, a relatively unknown company outside of Russia, where it is represented by Sinomach Automotive. Currently, Otting markets the Paladin SUV, an upgraded version of the Nissan Terra, as well as the Palasso pickup, which is a rebranded Dongfeng Rich 6. Both models are produced in China by Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture between Dongfeng and Nissan.

      According to a presentation from the company shared by Kolesa, the rebranded Nissan Patrol will be manufactured at the Zhengzhou Nissan facility in China and is anticipated to be available at Russian dealerships in 2026. The Chinese brand’s office reportedly mentioned that this new SUV “will be the only officially represented Japanese vehicle in this class in Russia.” No additional details have been disclosed at this moment.

      As for Otting’s other upcoming products, Russian representatives announced plans to launch the Rich 7, a pickup based on the Nissan Navara, featuring an X-shaped grille and “tiger” headlights. It will be offered in two lengths, at 5,287 mm and 5,537 mm, giving buyers a choice between a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine producing 228 hp and a 2.3-liter turbodiesel engine generating 166 hp, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear- or all-wheel drive.

      Additionally, a new pickup, the Z9, is expected to debut in late 2025. This pickup is said to originate from an original design by the Chinese company. It will showcase a light pattern resembling the letter Z, a narrow radiator grille with an oversized frame, and a prominently displayed large infotainment system on the dashboard. According to Otting’s Russian division, the Z9 will feature a hybrid powertrain combining a 147-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 212-hp electric motor, offering a maximum range of 1,100 km.