In a year of shifting automotive imports, Russia saw a surge of new models entering the market from international dealers, with over 20 car models previously unavailable in the country making their debut according to industry sources.
Avilon, a prominent distributor, introduced several models to Russia including the Volkswagen Bora, Tayron, and Talagon, as well as the Voyah Dreamer, Volvo XC90 and XC60, Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse, Changan UNI-K IDD, Toyota Camry, FAW B70, Jetta VA3, and VS5. The expansion also covered a growing lineup of electric vehicles and hybrids such as the Voyah Free, the Voyah Dreamer Hybrid Top, the Volkswagen ID3, the Polestar 2, the Zeekr 001, Gaohe HiPhi X, BYD, FAW Bestune NAT, and the GAC M8 listed by the company. These additions illustrate a broadening of product choice and a clear push to diversify supply channels for the Russian market. [Source: TASS aggregated via vendor briefings]
Gratsin Belenova, who leads the wholesale car sales department at Avilon, explained that the company coordinates orders from more than 400 retailers across Russia to assemble large shipments. These shipments typically range from one hundred to several thousand units, signaling a capacity to scale imports significantly in response to demand. Belenova noted that the existing business framework could support an annual import volume surpassing ten thousand vehicles while preserving current operations. This reflects a decisive move toward increasing market resilience and expanding consumer access to a wider variety of brands and configurations. [Vendor briefing]
Another major player, the Klyuchavto group, reported that since October of the previous year, several models have arrived in updated trim levels. The Mazda CX-4, Mazda Atenza, Toyota Avalon, and Toyota RAV4 have all been refreshed for contemporary buyers, introducing new features and design updates. Yulia Ovchinnikova, head of development for the holding, indicated that by late 2022 the total deliveries had exceeded four thousand units, and current logistics capacity sits around two and a half to three thousand cars per month. These figures illustrate steady growth in distribution efficiency and a strengthening network that supports timely deliveries to regional hubs. [Industry update]
Avtodom, another key importer, has been engaging in parallel import operations since June 2022 and has already brought more than a thousand vehicles into the country. The assortment emphasizes premium brands from global manufacturers, including BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and others. Plans for widening the range point toward increased involvement of Chinese brands, signaling a strategic tilt toward a more diversified lineup and a broader array of price points for Canadian and American customers seeking cross-border options. [Market analysis]
Traditionally, Chinese-built cars enjoyed a price advantage in the Russian market, but recent trends show their costs aligning more closely with mortgage-level payments for many buyers. An independent analysis by socialbites.ca reviewed official price tags for Chinese cars inside the domestic market and offered readers a comparative look at how much lower these prices are in Russia relative to other markets. The takeaway underscores the evolving affordability landscape and the growing sensitivity of buyers to total ownership costs, including financing and insurance considerations. [Citable market data]