There is a growing concern about the availability of new cars in the republic, compounded by a shortage of transporters capable of moving vehicles to Russia, according to updates from Chinese Automobiles. The root cause appears to be the surge of gray market dealers who became particularly active at border points following the events of February. The situation is driven by price disparities, as cars in Kazakhstan are currently substantially cheaper than in the Russian Federation, making cross-border purchases an attractive option for Russians seeking value.
To illustrate, reports highlight the pricing gap for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro crossover. In Russia, the top-level configuration with adaptive cruise control can cost around 3,239,900 rubles after discounts. In Kazakhstan, however, the same model’s premium variant lists at 15.9 million tenge, roughly translating to 2.05 million rubles, underscoring a notable price advantage on the northern side of the border.
Industry practice often blocks re-export by distributors, yet practical schemes have emerged. A Kazakhstani resident may be enlisted as the initial buyer under a formal sequence: complete customs clearance, settle transport costs, load the vehicles onto a car transporter, and then deliver them to Russia. The intermediary earns a fee close to 50,000 rubles, while the ownership is shifted through re-registration to the new buyer abroad. Such arrangements reduce visible friction and exploit gaps in regulatory oversight to facilitate cross-border movement.
Within a month, a single dealer can move more than fifty new cars from Kazakhstan into Russia. The process faces currency challenges: converting rubles to tenge can erode profits because the exchange rate offered by Russian banks tends to be less favorable than the rate available in Kazakhstan. Despite these economic headwinds, demand remains robust among buyers. The growing dissatisfaction with local shortages is evident among Kazakhstani shoppers who visit regional car dealers, signaling a broader tilt toward cross-border purchasing as a temporary market response while supply lines adjust.
- Survey results indicate that a substantial portion of Russians, roughly seven in ten, would consider traveling to Kazakhstan to purchase a car if prices and availability align with their expectations.
- Options for streaming coverage of related developments are expanding, with platforms such as RuTube now offering broader access to market discussions and vehicle-related content.