Russia adds four Haval, Tenet crossovers to list of vehicles that can be used as taxis

MOSCOW. March 25 (Interfax) - The Russian government has expanded the list of automobiles that can operate as taxis in the country by adding four localized crossover models from Chinese brands Haval and Tenet, according to an order published on the website for legal information.

The list will now include Haval's F7, F7x and Jolion models made in Tula Region by Great Wall, and the Tenet T7, an analog of the Chery Tiggo 7 that is assembled at Volkswagen's former plant in Kaluga, which is now owned by AGR Holding.

The Industry and Trade Ministry said the updated list will be posted on its official website.

The last version of the list that the ministry posted at the beginning of March includes the following models: Lada (Granta, Iskra, Vesta, Aura, Largus, Niva Travel, Niva Legend); Sollers (SP7, SF1); Evolute (I-Joy, I-Sky, I-Space) and Voyah (Free, Dream, Passion); Moskvich (3, 3e, 6, 8, M70, M90); and UMO (model 5).

As of March 1, 2026, Russia has restricted the types of automobiles that can operate as taxis in the country to those that have earned enough localization points under government resolution No. 719; those produced under special investment contracts (SPIC) that were signed or amended in 2022-2025; or those allowed to be used as taxis by a separate decision of the government. The law on localizing taxis defers the introduction of the new rules until March 1, 2028 for Kaliningrad Region and regions in Siberia, and until March 1, 2030 for the Far East.

Haval and Tenet are currently the best-selling automobile brands in Russia after Lada. Haval sold 20,900 vehicles on the Russian market in the first two months of 2026 and had a market share of 13%, while Tenet sold 17,600 and had a market share of 10.9%. The best-selling models from these brands in this period were the Tenet T7 and Haval Jolion, sales of which totaled 8,800 and 8,700, respectively.