National Automobile Union Pushes for Reform on Dealer Commissions and Vehicle Pricing
The National Automobile Union (NAU) has sent formal letters to Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), and the Bank of Russia requesting limits on high dealer commissions. The vice president of the union, Anton Shaparin, confirmed the action. The report was initially published by 74.ru, which notes the union’s concern that elevated commissions are contributing to higher vehicle prices for consumers.
In its communications, the NAU highlighted officials who received the letters: the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov; the head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service, Maxim Shaskolsky; and the President of the Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina. The petition argues that both new and used cars have grown more expensive, and it contends that dealer profits from commissions are substantial enough to impact overall market affordability.
Shaparin explained that the case hinges on balancing market incentives with consumer protection. He suggested that reducing excessively high commissions could help stabilize car prices and ensure fairer access to financing. The union’s position aligns with a broader demand for transparent pricing in the auto sector and for tighter oversight of financial terms attached to vehicle purchases.
Additionally, international critics have pressed Russia to modify the law governing vehicle sales by legal entities. The United States has urged amendments that would cap loan processing fees at no more than 4 percent, aiming to curb what it views as predatory or excessive charges during the financing process. This aspect of the dialogue reflects ongoing discussions about consumer lending practices and how they interact with vehicle prices.
Earlier remarks from the NAU indicated ongoing legal questions surrounding an online vehicle sales program launched within the market, which faced scrutiny for regulatory and operational challenges. It was reported that the Ozon marketplace began offering car sales on August 27, with the service currently available primarily in Moscow and the Moscow region. Observers have pointed to this online channel as a potential model for increased competition, while critics caution that regulatory clarity is essential to prevent pricing distortions and ensure consumer protections across the country.
In another line of discussion, authorities have named certain car models as being among the most hazardous on Russian roads, underscoring the broader safety and regulatory considerations that accompany market reforms in the automotive sector. The NAU’s statements come amid a period of intensified scrutiny of dealer practices, pricing transparency, and the ease with which consumers can obtain financing for both new and used vehicles. The group’s communications to government bodies reflect a push for policy changes designed to create a more predictable and fair marketplace for Russian car buyers.