The Ministry of Industry and Commerce appears ready to remove Nissan from the list of parallel imports, but this move hinges on establishing robust after‑sales service for branded cars within the country. Officials stressed that service standards, parts availability, and customer support must meet a high level of quality before any changes are enacted. The disclosure came through the ministry’s press service as reported by TASS, underscoring that policy adjustments in this area are tied to concrete operational capabilities on the ground rather than rhetoric alone.
In a related development, it is noted that Renault, which is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mizard alliance in various markets, was previously excluded from the parallel import list when AVTOVAZ assumed warranty responsibilities for the Renault brand and began supplying spare parts to support its vehicles. This experience demonstrates how warranty coverage and the flow of spare parts can influence a brand’s eligibility in parallel import frameworks, and it illustrates the practical consequences of shifts in local service arrangements. The emphasis remains on ensuring that customers retain access to genuine parts and reliable service, even as import policies evolve. The reporting agency highlighted these mechanics as part of the broader effort to align import practices with existing service infrastructure, as seen in earlier administrative actions by the ministry. — TASS
Earlier announcements indicated that all assets belonging to the Nissan auto group, including the factory, would transition to state ownership via the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NAMI. The plan, expected to take effect in early November, reflects a larger strategy to reorganize control over strategic automotive production and its associated supply chains. The shift is not merely about ownership on paper; it is about ensuring that production, maintenance, and lifecycle support for vehicles produced under the Nissan umbrella can be coordinated under a unified state framework, which in turn influences how the company engages with suppliers, dealers, and service networks. The operational implications for after‑sales coverage, inventory management, and regional distribution are treated as integral parts of this transformation, and observers are watching how these changes will ripple through the market. — TASS
Prior agreements already arranged for after‑sales service to be provided for branded Nissan vehicles and for spare parts supply to be maintained through AVTOVAZ. The collaboration envisages AVTOVAZ managing the spare parts warehouse, coordinating deliveries, and ensuring the timely availability of consumables and components critical to ongoing vehicle maintenance. Dealers continuing to work with Nissan models are expected to formalize their participation through binding agreements with AVTOVAZ, thereby aligning retail operations with the evolving service architecture. This structure is designed to reassure customers that even as corporate and ownership arrangements shift, the continuity of care, original equipment quality, and steady parts flow will be preserved. The ministry’s statements cited that such arrangements form the backbone of any proactive update to the parallel import system, ensuring that policy changes do not disrupt consumer access to authentic parts or professional service. — TASS
The Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasized that the parallel import mechanism itself remains flexible and adaptively managed. The list of imported goods covered by the mechanism can be expanded or contracted in response to real‑world conditions, market demand, and the performance of service networks. In practice, this means officials monitor how well the branded vehicles are supported by after‑sales ecosystems and then adjust eligibility accordingly. The approach reflects a pragmatic balance: encouraging competition and choice through parallel imports while maintaining reliable servicing, warranty support, and parts supply for customers who rely on these brands. The ministry’s stance signals that policy will respond to changing circumstances rather than sticking to a rigid, one‑size‑fits‑all rule. — TASS
It is also important to remind readers that under parallel (gray) imports, goods from certain brands that are sold in other countries but not officially marketed in Russia can still enter the country without direct permission from the copyright holder. This framework exists to facilitate consumer access to a broader range of products while still operating within a structured regulatory environment. observers note that the practical impact centers on how well these imports are supported by local service networks, including genuine spare parts, trained technicians, and clear warranty terms. The goal remains to preserve consumer confidence and vehicle reliability, even as the regulatory landscape evolves in response to economic and strategic considerations. — TASS