A notable shift has taken place in Russia’s taxi sector, with nearly half of the updated fleet now comprised of vehicles sourced from Chinese and Russian manufacturers. Reports from Izvestia attribute this change to the operational reach of the Alfa-Leasing group of companies, which has been expanding its influence in the market. The implication is that domestic and nearby regional brands are stepping into a larger share of taxi and ride-hailing operations as traditional Western and some Asian brands recalibrate their presence in the country.
When looking at the 2023 purchasing patterns by taxi operators, several models stood out as the most common choices. The list includes the Lada Granta along with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. Geely’s popular Coolray and Atlas Pro, Haval Jolion, and Exeed LX also appear prominently, signaling a robust demand for compact to mid-size crossovers. In addition, mainstream sedans such as the Volkswagen Polo and the Kia Rio were frequently selected by fleets, underscoring a preference for reliability, ease of maintenance, and favorable total cost of ownership in a fleet context. These preferences reflect practical considerations like parts availability, service networks, and total depreciation expectations that fleets weigh carefully in volatile economic times.
The shift in procurement is framed by broader market dynamics. Fleet operators report reduced availability of European and Korean brands, a development that constrains choice and nudges buyers toward the brands that maintain ongoing support and supply chains within Russia and nearby markets. The secondary market for vehicles used in taxi and ride-hailing services is also tightening, which in turn influences pricing and procurement timing. As a result, the average price of a taxi vehicle has risen by roughly a quarter since the start of the year, reaching around 1.4 million rubles. This price movement mirrors broader currency and import costs, as well as the premium placed on vehicles that can reliably withstand high annual mileage and the demanding daily use typical of urban taxi operations.
Earlier, the Governor of Magadan Oblast, Sergei Nosov, issued a decree targeting the employment of foreign nationals in public transport for 2024. The decree introduces a prohibition on attracting foreign workers to operate taxis, rental cars, and regular bus services throughout the year. Transport companies are given a three month window to adjust their staffing and ensure compliance with the new rules, which adds another layer of regulatory complexity for operators who rely on a mixed labor pool for service coverage and peak demand periods. The move appears to reflect broader policy aims around local employment and the recalibration of the transport sector amid ongoing economic and geopolitical tensions.
Similarly, discussions in the Russian State Duma have warned of potential price pressures on taxi services amid the industry’s ongoing crisis. Stakeholders point to the combination of rising vehicle costs, disrupted supply chains, and regulatory shifts as contributors to evolving fare structures. The dialogue underscores the need for clear policy signals and market incentives that can help fleets maintain service levels for commuters while managing operating costs in a rapidly changing economic environment.