The rise in scrap collection is expected to push up the costs of imported, domestic, and even used cars. This assessment comes from Izvestia, citing Anton Shaparin, the vice president of the National Automobile Association (NAU) as a key voice on the matter.
Shaparin indicated that new import prices could climb roughly 250,000 rubles for vehicles with the popular 1.5-liter engine, and that AvtoVAZ would see price increases of at least 100,000 rubles. He attributed these adjustments to higher expenses across the supply chain, arguing that the overall price level for new cars would rise accordingly. He projected that prices for second-hand vehicles would follow a similar trajectory, creating a broad touchpoint across the market for both new and used cars. (Source: Izvestia)
Beyond the direct pricing implications, Shaparin warned that the combined effect of increased recycling charges and higher central bank rates would dampen overall demand for cars. He also downplayed the idea that Chinese brands would maintain their aggressive discounting strategies, describing any such continuation as premature given the shifting cost structures and consumer purchasing power. (Source: Izvestia)
Projections in mid-July suggested that the recycling fee for passenger cars in Russia would rise by a one-time 70-85 percent starting October 1, 2024, with further indexing planned on subsequent years. A government draft now under public discussion outlines these adjustments, signaling a significant policy lever that could ripple through car prices and buyer behavior. (Source: Izvestia)
A further commentary from Barhota’s analysts framed the policy as aimed at elevating the prices of cars assembled abroad. They argued that higher market prices would threaten the competitiveness of imported models, potentially steering buyers toward vehicles that balance price and quality given the availability of alternatives. In this view, the shift could prompt consumers to reassess options, seeking models that deliver better value amid a tightened budget landscape. (Source: Izvestia)
Earlier reports touched on secondary effects of traffic patterns near borders, noting that drivers near the Belarus-Poland border had benefited financially from congestion-related conditions. While not a direct outcome of recycling policy, such anecdotes illustrate how macroeconomic and logistical changes can reshape consumer decisions and transportation economics across the region. (Source: Izvestia)