Ravon is a brand that often raises questions among Russian car enthusiasts. Is it an Uzbek car, or a Korean one, or even a Chinese one? Where are these cars actually assembled, and who owns the company? In this article we will look at the history Ravon, we will analyze the country of origin of the models, tell you how to determine the place of assembly by VIN code, and explain why these cars are so popular in the secondary market of the CIS.
Disputes about whose car is Ravon, have not subsided since the brand's inception in 2015. Some argue that these are simply converted Daewoo or Chevrolet, others believe that under the hood is a typical Chinese auto industry. In reality it's more complicated: Ravon is a unique project with Uzbek roots, Korean technologies and global ambitions. Let's figure out what's what.
Who owns the Ravon brand: history and owners
Brand Ravon was officially presented in 2015 as part of the Uzbekistan government's strategy to develop the local automobile industry. However, its roots go deeper - to a joint venture UzDaewooAuto, created back in 1996 between Uzbekistan and South Korean company Daewoo Motors.
After bankruptcy Daewoo in 2001 the Uzbek enterprise continued to operate under state control, producing models under the brands Daewoo, Chevrolet (after absorption GM) and finally Ravon. Today 100% of the company's shares belong to Uzbekistan through a state holding UzAuto Motors, but the technological base remains Korean.
- 📅 1996 — creation UzDaewooAuto (a joint venture between Uzbekistan and Daewoo).
- 🔄 2005 - transition to control General Motors (models were sold as Chevrolet).
- 🚀 2015 — brand launch Ravon as an independent project.
- 🏭 2023 — entering the markets of Europe and Asia under its own name.
Fun fact: name Ravon came from the words "Reliable Active Vehicle ON" (reliable active car in motion). This is part of a rebranding aimed at expanding beyond the CIS. However, in Russia and Uzbekistan the brand is still associated with budget cars based on old Korean platforms.
Where is Ravon produced: countries of assembly and factories
Main production Ravon concentrated in Uzbekistan, but the geography is wider than it seems. The company is actively developing assembly capacities abroad in order to reduce logistics costs and bypass customs barriers. Here are the key production sites:
| Country | Factory / Partner | Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | UzAuto Motors (Asaka, Tashkent) | All models | Main production, full cycle |
| Russia | Derways (Cherkessk) | Ravon R2, Ravon R4 | Assembly from Uzbek machine kits (SKD) |
| Kazakhstan | Asia Auto (Ust-Kamenogorsk) | Ravon Gentra, Ravon Nexia R3 | Localization for the EAEU market |
| Azerbaijan | AzSamand (Baku) | Ravon R2 | Small knot assembly |
Important: even if Ravon is assembled in Russia or Kazakhstan, this does not mean that the car is “local” - all components are supplied from Uzbekistan, and assembly is often limited to installing wheels, a battery and refilling technical fluids.
On the secondary market, Uzbek ones are most often found Ravon, since they are cheaper and supplied in large quantities. Russian assembly (for example, Ravon R4 from Cherkessk) is usually 50-100 thousand rubles more expensive due to customs duties.
How to determine the country of assembly of Ravon by VIN code
To find out exactly where the car was assembled, it is enough to decipher VIN code. U Ravon it consists of 17 characters, where the first three indicate the manufacturer and country. Here's what the key combinations mean:
- 🔢 UZB — Uzbekistan (main production).
- 🔢 X7L — Russia (plant Derways).
- 🔢 Y37 — Kazakhstan (Asia Auto).
- 🔢 AZJ — Azerbaijan (AzSamand).
Uzbek VIN example Ravon R2: UZB. If the first three characters X7L, which means the car was assembled in Cherkessk. You can check the VIN on the official website Ravon or through services like Autocode.
If in the VIN code Ravon letters are found I, O, Q, this is a fake - they are not used in the original codes.
Please note: some dealers may present the Russian assembly as “fully localized”, although in fact it is just a screwdriver assembly. Always check the VIN before purchasing!
Ravon models: what cars the brand produces
Assortment Ravon small, but covers the main segments of the budget market. All models are built on platforms Daewoo or Chevrolet 2000–2010s, but with modern modifications. Here is the current lineup (for 2026):
- 🚗 Ravon Nexia R3 - sedan based Daewoo Gentra (analogue Chevrolet Aveo T300).
- 🚗 Ravon Gentra - restyled version Nexia R3 with new design.
- 🚗 Ravon R2 — compact hatchback (clone Chevrolet Spark 3rd generation).
- 🚗 Ravon R4 — crossover on the platform Chevrolet Trax (assembly in Cherkessk).
- 🚗 Ravon Matiz — city hatchback (successor Daewoo Matiz).
The most popular models in Russia - Ravon R2 and Ravon R4. The first one attracts with its price (from 700 thousand rubles on the secondary), the second - ease of maintenance and good cross-country ability for the city. However, everything Ravon suffer from outdated engines (for example, a 1.5-liter engine from Daewoo with a power of 105 hp) and poor sound insulation.
Why is Ravon cheaper than competitors?
The main reason is the lack of modern safety systems (for example, ESP is only available in top versions) and the use of cheap materials in the interior. In addition, the brand does not pay royalties for the brand (unlike official dealers Kia or Hyundai), which reduces the final price.
Pros and cons of Ravon cars: is it worth buying
Cars Ravon often compared to Chinese brands like Chery or Geely, but they have their own characteristics. Let's look at the key advantages and disadvantages.
✅ Pros:
- 💰 Low price - new models are cheaper Lada (for example, Ravon R2 from 899 thousand rubles).
- 🔧 Easy to repair - spare parts from Daewoo/Chevrolet widely available.
- 🛠️ Local production — no problems with logistics (unlike Chinese cars).
- 📉 Low tax — engine power up to 120 hp, which saves on transport tax.
❌ Cons:
- 🚗 Legacy platforms — all models are built on the basis of cars from the 2000s.
- 🛡️ Poor security — lack of ESP in basic versions, low crash test results.
- 🔊 Poor sound insulation — in the cabin you can hear everything that happens on the street.
- 📉 Low liquidity - on the secondary market Ravon sold at a big discount.
Who is Ravon suitable for? These machines are ideal for:
- 👨👩👧👦 Families on a limited budget (e.g. Ravon Gentra like the first car).
- 🏙️ City driving (compact R2 and Matiz easy to park).
- 🛠️ Those who are ready to service the car themselves (simple engines, cheap spare parts).
Ravon is a compromise between price and quality. If you need a reliable car that will last for years, it is better to consider Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris. If the budget is limited - Ravon will be a temporary solution.
Legal nuances: is it possible to import Ravon from Uzbekistan to Russia
C 2022 The rules for importing cars from Uzbekistan to Russia have become more stringent. Previously it was possible to drive Ravon according to a simplified scheme (as “personal property”), but now the following restrictions apply:
⚠️ Attention: From January 1, 2026, customs duties on imports Ravon from Uzbekistan make up 15% from price + 20% VAT. This makes the purchase of “gray” cars unprofitable - the final price will be equal to that of official dealers.
Legal ways to purchase:
- Purchase from official dealer (for example, Rolf or AutoSpetsCenter).
- Import via EAEU customs union (Kazakhstan, but with restrictions).
- Purchase Russian assembly (factory Derways in Cherkessk).
If you still decide to import Ravon yourself, please note:
- 📄 Will be required declaration of conformity (without it the car will not be registered).
- 💸 Customs fees may reach 30–40% of the cost auto.
- ⏳ The customs clearance process takes from 2 weeks to 2 months.
☑️ Documents for importing Ravon to Russia
Alternatives to Ravon: what to choose instead of Uzbek cars
If you are confused about the origin Ravon or technical specifications, consider analogues from other budget brands. We compared the key parameters:
| Model | Price (new) | Power | Fuel consumption | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravon R2 | from 899 thousand ₽ | 105 hp | 6.5 l/100 km | 3 years |
| Lada Granta | from 850 thousand ₽ | 90–106 hp | 7.2 l/100 km | 3 years |
| Chery Tiggo 2 Pro | from 1.1 million ₽ | 126 hp | 6.8 l/100 km | 5 years |
| Kia Picanto | from 1.3 million ₽ | 84–100 hp | 5.5 l/100 km | 7 years |
What's better than Ravon?
- 🚗 If needed cheap and simple car - Lada Granta (cheaper to maintain).
- 🚗 If important reliability — Kia Picanto or Hyundai i10 (longer service, better configuration).
- 🚗 If you want crossover — Chery Tiggo 2 Pro (more modern Ravon R4).
The main argument in favor Ravon - this is price/quality ratio on the secondary market. New models are losing to competitors, but used Ravon for 500–700 thousand rubles it can become a good “transitional” car.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Ravon
❓ Is Ravon a Chinese car?
No, Ravon is an Uzbek brand, although some components may be supplied from China (for example, electronics). Platforms and engines - Korean (Daewoo/GM).
❓ Is it possible to drive a Ravon in Russia without problems?
Yes, if the car officially imported (through a dealer or customs cleared). "Grey" Ravon without a declaration may raise questions when registering.
❓ What spare parts are suitable for Ravon?
Most parts are interchangeable with Daewoo Gentra, Chevrolet Aveo T300 and Chevrolet Spark. For example, for Ravon R2 suitable filters and brake pads from Spark.
❓ How long does a Ravon engine last?
With proper maintenance, engine life Ravon (for example, 1.5 liter B15D2) is 200–250 thousand km. The main thing is to change the oil on time (every 10 thousand km) and avoid overheating.
❓ Why is Ravon so cheap?
The low price is due to the lack of modern systems (for example, there is no all-wheel drive even in Ravon R4), cheap interior materials and the absence of a brand markup (unlike Toyota or Volkswagen).