From January to February 2023, registrations of imported cars in Russia rose by 15 percent, signaling a steady demand for foreign brands despite market uncertainties. Within this trend, BMW emerged as the most favored import among Russian buyers, continuing a long-standing pattern of premium European vehicles performing well in the domestic market. This insight comes from Autostat Info, a respected source for automotive statistics and market analysis.
The data show a clear ranking of popular imported models during January and February of 2023. BMW vehicles dominated the top tier, with a notable spike in registrations from abroad that solidified the brand’s lead in the import segment. Hyundai, a Korean challenger, claimed second place, registering 1,198 units in January and climbing to 1,461 in February, reflecting strong consumer preference for reliable, value-oriented imports. Volkswagen followed closely in third place, reporting 1,092 registrations in January and 1,132 in February. Rounding out the top five were Mercedes-Benz and Audi, both consistently strong performers in the Russian import market due to brand prestige and a wide range of models.
Overall, February 2023 saw about 13,900 imported cars registered in Russia, marking a 15 percent increase from January’s figures, which stood at just over 12,100 registrations. This surge hints at a broad-based interest in used and new foreign vehicles alike. The largest share of the volume in February was concentrated in cars aged four to seven years, with more than 11,000 units moving within that age bracket, suggesting a steady flow of reasonably new imports that balance performance, reliability, and price for many buyers.
The report also highlights that imports remain influenced by the availability of models that fit diverse consumer needs, from compact sedans to larger SUVs, and by factors such as local credit conditions, service networks, and brand perception. While the overall trend points to resilience in demand for foreign brands, it is important to note that the Russian market continues to adapt to evolving regulatory conditions, import tariffs where applicable, and the global dynamics that affect supply chains for international manufacturers.
In a separate note, a different market narrative mentions a Toyota vehicle in the United States and a separate anecdote about a Scotsman’s long-running crossover model, tied to a historic event involving a hurricane. This example underscores the broad and sometimes unexpected ways automotive stories surface across regions, reminding readers that vehicle ownership and the car market are shaped by a mix of brand loyalty, geography, and unforeseen events. While these anecdotes do not directly impact Russia’s import statistics, they illustrate how global car narratives intersect with consumer choices and market trends across continents.