The Interauto Expo car show in Moscow is not the extravaganza that it was last year. But what analysts see as a shrinking Russian auto market has not stopped many Chinese automakers from participating.

A model presents a Geely car at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 24, 2016. The Moscow International Automobile Salon kicked off on Wednesday.(Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

Many major car brands from America and Japan are missing from the Moscow car show that started Thursday. Some companies say the reason is that they don't have new cars to launch. But analysts say a declining market and westerns sanctions on Russia have prompted many brands to give up paying the fees to join the expo.

“The Russian automotive market is going through a tough time. Cars targeting the middle class are most affected. But for us this is not a big problem. We are in the market for a long time, and we won’t be affected much by short to mid term volatilities,” said Andrei Rodionov, PR director of Mercedes Benz Russia.

As a contrast to big car brands, many Chinese automakers such as Dongfeng, Changan and Gil are seeing opportunities to gain ground in the Russian market.

A model presents a Changan vehicle at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 24, 2016. The Moscow International Automobile Salon kicked off on Wednesday.(Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

“It’s been a decade since Chinese car brands started expanding in international markets. But we are still in an early stage. There are lots of challenges from products, certifications, and marketing to financing. I believe these brands will become more mature and experienced in the future,” said Chi Feng, car sales director.

Chinese automakers that had been focused on cheaper cars are now rolling out higher-end vehicles that are intended to take on Japanese and South Korean competitors. Many of the automakers have set up joint companies in Russia.