The so-called gray import of new vehicles into Russia has affected not only high-end models but also mass-market cars that are commonly found on dealer lots. This phenomenon is linked to announcements on official dealer portals and on classified sites reviewed by socialbites.ca.
suzuki ciaz
One Suzuki dealer reportedly brought to Russia a batch of Ciaz sedans meant for Southeast Asian markets. Production of these cars is organized at the Maruti Suzuki plant in India.
Another Suzuki dealer in Nizhny Novgorod advertises Ciaz sedans in a single Alpha trim with a 105-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and aautomatic transmission for 1.9 million rubles.
The equipment list includes parking sensors, cruise control, keyless entry and power mirrors.
Skoda Kamiq
The Skoda Kamiq compact crossover has never been officially imported into Russia, yet dealers in Tyumen, Surgut and the Moscow region offer mileage-free units at prices from 2.4 to 2.9 million rubles.
According to the advertisements, the most affordable Kamiq is equipped with a 1.0-liter 110 hp gasoline engine and front-wheel drive. There are also options with a 1.6-liter engine and a six-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission.
Ford Mondeo
The Ford Mondeo sedan left the Russian market in 2019, and in 2022 Ford stopped the model in Europe and the United States.
However, Mondeo remains available in the Chinese market, and dealers from the Amur Region and Vladivostok offer such cars to Russians. Requests commonly hover around 2.7 million rubles for a car with a 1.5-liter turbo engine generating 165 hp.
The hybrid variant with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is priced at about 3.1 million rubles.
Chevrolet Equinox
Low-mileage 2022 Chevrolet Equinox crossovers are listed by multi-brand dealerships in several cities including Perm, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Orenburg and Moscow. Depending on configuration, prices range from 2.5 to 3.5 million rubles.
Specifically, a Ryazan dealer asks for more than 2.8 million rubles for a vehicle with a 236-hp 2.0-liter engine, a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The equipment includes a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.
Equinox was never officially sold in Russia. The third generation has been produced since 2017 and has been assembled in China, Korea, Mexico and Canada.
Acura MDX
In mid-November this year, one official Honda dealer began selling the new Acura MDX crossovers. A model with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine producing 290 hp is listed around 9 million rubles. It is described as new with an electronic deed already issued for it.
Similar cars that are not on the road exist, and a few private sellers pledge to bring more. The Acura brand officially existed in Russia until 2016.
Mazda CX-4
A lineup of coupe-styled crossovers with a 2.0-liter engine delivering 158 hp, automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is offered by a large dealer group in Russia. Prices range from 3 to 3.5 million rubles.
The CX-4 shares its platform with the well-known Mazda CX-5. It debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in 2016, and China has been its primary market.
Opel Corsa
One Moscow dealer advertises an electric Opel Corsa hatchback for purchase.
In the top configuration, the price exceeds 2 million 150 thousand rubles. The electric powertrain delivers about 136 hp, and the estimated range is around 300 km.
only lovers
Representatives of large dealer groups note that gray channels mostly bring in premium cars with the highest profit margins for dealers.
“The share of cars imported through parallel channels accounts for about a quarter of total sales. These cars are in strong demand among premium-segment buyers,” explained Vladimir Zhelobov, who oversees used-car operations for Avtodom and Avtospetstsentr, in an interview with socialbites.ca.
He added that repairs and maintenance on vehicles obtained this way pose no particular difficulties.
Meanwhile, Alexei Starikov, deputy general manager for new car sales at Avilon, highlighted several rare models that the group brings into the country, including Volkswagen Bora for Russia, Volkswagen ID.6 electric cars, Audi Q5 E-Tron, FAW Bestune NAT, the new-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, FAW Bestune T99 and B70.
Starikov noted that parallel import of auto parts continues to grow, helping dealers meet customer demand. Both Avilon and Avtospetstsentr promise warranties from the seller on self-imported cars.
back to the nineties
Sergey Burgazliev, an independent automotive industry consultant, reflects on the current state of the market by recalling the 1990s, when dealers often imported cars on their own.
“The market will be big, diverse and interesting, equal in thrill to the nineties. Whoever imported it sold it. If such colorful cars are arriving, it signals real demand for them,” he observed.
As the market evolves with gray imports, Burgazliev believes the new pattern will become clearer within a few months. He notes that Chinese brands are expanding their dealer networks and marketing programs, and that they remain accessible with registered ownership documents, allowing for direct purchase. He predicts this trend will hold at least through spring.
Denis Migal, CEO of Fresh Auto, argues that buyers seeking exotic cars not sold in Russia should understand that they may not rely on a manufacturer warranty.
“We once lived in a more transparent world with manufacturers, distributors, dealers, warranties and processes. Now things are more complicated,” he told socialbites.ca.
Migal adds that verifying the vehicle’s condition and legal status is essential, as unverified sellers can create risks such as fraudulent customs clearances.
“The ruble strength has made transport of cars profitable again, though duties remain high. The situation is open-ended, and if the ruble weakens, this entire scenario could lose momentum. The state has not yet taken strong steps to facilitate parallel imports,” Migal concludes.