In the Russian used-car market, Japanese and German brands stand out as the most in-demand options, according to data compiled by SberAuto and reported by DEA News. The pattern mirrors the broader appetite for reliable, fuel-efficient, and well-supported models that buyers in Russia often seek when shopping for late-model used vehicles.
Between January and May in 2023, the market demonstrated a shift in preference similar to the previous year. Japanese brands accounted for a substantial share of total transactions, reflecting a roughly one-third portion of activity. This continues a consistent trend from 2022, when Japanese makes represented a notable 23 percent of sales, underscoring their enduring appeal among Russian buyers. By contrast, German brands emerged as the leading category in 2023, capturing about a quarter of the market, while in 2022 German cars had ranked behind Japanese and Korean imports. This shift highlights how consumer sentiment, pricing, and model availability influence the popularity of different national brands over time.
Within the spectrum of domestic brands, Russian-made vehicles consistently held a strong position, placing fourth in popularity and surpassing American options in overall demand. Among foreign makes, South Korean models also played a crucial role in the mix. In the 2023 period, Kia emerged as the single most popular brand, with Toyota and Hyundai following closely behind as the second and third most sought-after brands. This distribution suggests that buyers value a balance of brand reliability, resale value, and the ease of finding compatible parts and service networks when selecting a used vehicle in the region.
Contextual notes: trade and supply dynamics shape the used-car landscape. The availability of certain mass-market models can be influenced by regional import policies, credit conditions, and dealer networks, all of which interact with consumer preferences to determine which brands dominate the market at any given time. The observed pattern—strong Japanese and German representation, a solid showing for Korean brands, and persistent demand for locally produced vehicles—paints a nuanced picture of how Canadian and U.S. buyers might interpret value, durability, and total cost of ownership when evaluating used cars from Russia and nearby markets. The data underscores the importance of brand reputation, vehicle lifecycle costs, and the availability of trusted maintenance options for buyers considering pre-owned options in North America and Canada. Citation: DEA News, based on SberAuto data.