Recent data from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center indicates that roughly three in five Russian families own at least one personal vehicle.
Over the last decade and a half, motorization in Russia has accelerated significantly, reshaping everyday mobility and household priorities.
- the share of families with a car rose by 23 percentage points, climbing from 40% in 2008 to higher levels in later years;
- the proportion of households owning exactly one car increased by 9 percentage points, reaching 46% in 2023 compared with 37% in 2008;
- households with two or more cars expanded by 14 percentage points, moving from 3% in 2008 to 17% by 2023.
In a period of shift toward foreign-made vehicles, ownership of non-domestically produced cars gained momentum. By 2023, foreign cars accounted for about 72% of personal vehicle use, a rise of 36 percentage points since 2008, reflecting a clear preference shift among consumers.
Meanwhile, the share of households reporting ownership of domestically produced cars declined from 64% in 2008 to 37% in 2023, underscoring a lasting change in consumer choice and market dynamics.
Moreover, intentions for vehicle purchases evolved. In 2023, about a quarter of Russians expressed plans to buy a car, a notable increase from 2008. The purchasing outlook skews toward used vehicles for many buyers, with roughly 57% indicating a preference for used cars and 37% for new ones.
When asked about the reasons for owning a vehicle, the most common response cited personal needs, followed by transportation as a practical purpose. These insights help illuminate how mobility needs intersect with household budgets and lifestyle decisions.
A February survey conducted in 2023 engaged 1.6 thousand Russians aged 18 and over, providing a snapshot of attitudes toward car ownership and mobility in contemporary Russia. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how vehicle ownership patterns evolve in response to economic, social, and market forces.
Note: The data referenced here reflects public opinion research cycles and is cited for context and analysis within consumer mobility trends.