The push for domestic, government-owned vehicles gains momentum in Russia
The first Lada Vesta cars arrived in the State Duma garage, a move confirmed by TASS through the Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly, Vyacheslav Volodin. This development signals a broader plan to shift the parliamentary fleet toward homegrown brands as new year sessions begin and MPs resume official duties. TASS notes that foreign models are gradually being phased out, with a policy to replace the fleet with Russian cars over time. Volodin added that each member of parliament in their constituency would receive a domestic car, reinforcing the emphasis on national manufacturing and self-sufficiency in transport for government use.
Volodin further outlined a preference for lawmakers to travel in vehicles produced in Russia, including Moskvich, Lada, and Aurus, as part of the official fleet strategy initiated in July 2023. He stressed that Russia will not cultivate a home auto industry if steps are not taken to rely on domestic cars, especially as vehicles from unfriendly countries remain a barrier to broader industrial development. The aim is clear: reduce dependence on imports and support the growth of the national automotive sector while ensuring a reliable, domestically produced fleet for government operations.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has compiled a list of cars deemed suitable for civil servants to use primarily for official purposes. The roster features brands such as Lada, UAZ, Aurus, and Moskvich, aligning with the government’s push for domestic production. Volodin stated that deputies will predominantly use Lada, Aurus, and Moskvich models, reinforcing a consistent message of national manufacturing support and fleet consolidation within government circles.
Valentina Matvienko, president of the Federation Council, has also publicly supported the shift toward domestic vehicles for authorities. According to her statements, the use of Aurus and previously Mercedes-Benz by officials illustrates the transition toward Russia-sourced automotive options, highlighting a broader strategy to unify the official fleet under domestic brands. The policy aims to demonstrate that homegrown vehicles can meet the needs of high-level government transport while reducing exposure to external supply chains.
Industry observers note that the domestic car program represents more than a mere procurement change. Analysts point to the domestic automobile sector as a testbed for the broader industrial policy, measuring readiness, production capacity, and supply chain resilience. The evolving stance reflects a deliberate effort to showcase national engineering capabilities and to stimulate further investment in domestic automotive research and manufacturing, ultimately contributing to economic and strategic goals at the state level. Government and industry commentary from recent months underscores a concerted push to align public procurement with national manufacturing outcomes and to position Russia as a stronger, independent player in the global automotive landscape.