Tenet to Add Two Models in 2026, Replacing Chery Vehicles

Russian automaker Tenet will expand its lineup with a flagship crossover and sedan in 2026, models mirroring Chery vehicles, likely marking the Chinese brand's exit from the market.

Feb 22, 2026

Tenet has quickly gained momentum in Russia, nearly replacing the Chery brand in the market.
Source:
Tenet press service / Gemini

In 2026, the model range of the Russian brand Tenet will expand to five vehicles: the flagship T9 crossover and a D-class sedan will be added to the existing T4, T7, and T8 crossovers, according to company management.

Tenet vehicles are manufactured with full body welding and painting processes at the Kaluga plant.
Source:
AGR Holding press service

Tenet produces three crossovers at the former Volkswagen plant in Kaluga, which were previously sold under the Chery brand. Formally, the Chinese company is not involved in this project, with Russian ownership by AGR Holding and the little-known Chinese partner Defetoo. Tenet models are copies of the Tiggo family crossovers, sold through Chery«s dealership network, which now carries dual branding.

The Tenet T9«s exterior is an exact replica of the Chery Tiggo 9 flagship crossover.
Source:
Chery press service

In 2026, the lineup will be supplemented by the full-size Tenet T9 crossover, whose design resembles the Chery Tiggo 9. That model debuted in Russia in late 2024 and differs from other family crossovers by its platform, with the outdated T1X replaced by the T2X chassis. A close relative, the Jaecoo J8, is also sold in Russia, nearly identical in size but with technical differences: the Jaecoo has a robotic transmission, while the Tiggo 9 has an eight-speed hydromechanical automatic. The Tiggo 9 offers a seven-seat cabin, which the Russian Jaecoo lacks, but the latter has adaptive dampers. Both models share a 2-liter turbocharged engine producing 249 hp, with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system using a clutch.

The Jaecoo J8 and Tiggo 9 are siblings, with the J8 starting at 4.274 million rubles (approx. $47,500).
Source:
Artem Krasnov

Technical details about the Tenet T9 haven«t been disclosed, but it will likely be identical to the Tiggo 9. Its price starts from 4.235 million rubles (approximately $47,100 at current rates) and is unlikely to change much after localization. Preparations are underway at the Kaluga plant for the flagship»s production, with sales to begin in the first half of the year.

The Chery Arrizo 8 sedan measures 4757 mm long (about 15 ft 7 in) in some versions.
Source:
Chery press service

The second new Tenet for 2026 is a D-class sedan, matching Chery«s Arrizo 8, which costs from 2.865 million rubles (approximately $31,800 at current rates) and comes with a 1.6-liter 150-hp engine and a robotic transmission.

A fire has been reported at the Tenet factory in Kaluga, previously a Volkswagen plant.
Source:
Artem Krasnov

If the Arrizo 8 is localized in Kaluga and its import under the Chery brand ceases, it would mean the Chinese brand«s final departure from Russia, as all five models transition to Tenet. Chery itself denies reducing activities in Russia, but »the situation on the ground« suggests otherwise. Last fall, with Tenet sales starting, Chery sales sharply declined as imported Tiggo crossovers were replaced by identical Tenets. Dealers say the remaining models, Tiggo 9 and Arrizo 8, will be imported for a while under Russia»s quota before imports stop.

Chery dealerships in Russia currently display dual branding for both Tenet and Chery models.
Source:
AGR Holding press service / Gemini

Tenet sales began in late summer 2025, with the brand off to a strong start: 33.5 thousand cars sold in four incomplete months, placing it in the market«s top 10 by year-end. Tenet is now the only successful Chinese car localization project since 2022. Moskvich, Evolute, Avtotor projects, and Xcite haven»t shown expected results (more on the laggards).

The Tenet T4 is a copy of the Chery Tiggo 4 in its post-facelift version.
Source:
AGR Holding press service

Tenet aims to capture 10% of the market—a share comparable to Chery«s past performance. To achieve this, average monthly sales need to reach 10,000 units, which seems realistic given current trends. Tenet could become Russia»s third most popular brand after Lada and Haval.

A comparative test pits a Japanese SUV against a Chinese rival, asking which one readers would choose.
Source:
Artem Krasnov

The downside is that local assembly offers little cost advantage, with Tenet prices similar to imported Cherys: the T4 starts from 2.039 million rubles (approximately $22,700), the T7 from 2.735 million rubles (approximately $30,400), and the T8 from 3.61 million rubles (approximately $40,100).

Chery«s exit seems paradoxical, as the brand was among the first in Russia in 2004 and achieved significant success since then.

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