The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has moved away from the plan to reallocate a portion of points earned for traditional automotive processes to new models under the localization assessment changes. The shift involves new components and reforms that are being discussed in industry circles. Such updates have appeared in reports covering the draft amendment dated November 2 to Decree No. 719 of 2015, which governs the rules for localizing industrial products manufactured within Russia.
The points system was introduced in 2019 and remains a key mechanism for supporting domestic production. It also grants participating companies that have signed a special investment contract (SPIC) the right to compete in government tenders, aligning public procurement with national manufacturing goals.
Scores influence the level of industrial subsidies awarded to automakers. Those subsidies are viewed by the sector as compensation for the recycling fee that accompanies vehicle production. The maximum attainable score stands at 7000 points, and nearly all Russian manufacturing facilities operate under contracts that qualify them for this program. The current rubric awards points for critical steps such as welding the hull, painting body parts, and stamping hull components from Russian-sourced metal. In total, these categories can contribute up to 1500 points. For example, the updated Lada Vesta earns a combined total that underscores the program’s scale and reach.
There have been earlier signals indicating concerns about dealer commissions. The National Automobile Union (NAU) has reportedly sent letters to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and the Bank of Russia requesting measures to curb high dealer commissions. These exchanges reflect ongoing efforts to balance incentive structures with market fairness and consumer protections within the automotive sector.
Meanwhile, the industry has also discussed broader readiness among manufacturers to provide vehicles to government agencies. This kind of alignment between the public sector and automakers highlights how localization incentives interact with supply commitments and policy goals to shape the domestic automotive landscape in Russia.