The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia has presented a draft amendment to a government decision, aiming to tighten passive safety requirements for motor vehicles. Izvestia reports, citing the ministry’s press service, that the document outlines several milestones designed to bolster road safety and industry stability. According to the draft, starting December 1, 2023, vehicles manufactured in Russia must be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Production of ABS has already begun in Kostroma, and the proposal indicates that broader mandatory adoption of passive safety systems could take effect from 2025. (Source: Izvestia)
In parallel, the plan states that from February 1, 2024, cars produced domestically must meet environmental standards not lower than class “3.” The emphasis on stricter emissions criteria reflects a broader regulatory push aimed at aligning Russian automotive output with higher ecological benchmarks. (Source: Izvestia)
Officials justify these regulatory steps as a response to ongoing external sanctions from Western partners and a move to stabilize the domestic automotive sector. The draft also contemplates extending the new safety and environmental requirements to cars assembled in Belarus and imported into Russia, indicating a broader regional application. (Source: Izvestia)
Earlier statements from Ministry representatives suggested that the Russian automobile market is poised for a gradual recovery. They projected a potential sales level around 1.3 million vehicles in 2024, with 2026 resembling the pre-2015–2021 average. The ministry signaled a long-term growth path of about 1% annually beginning in 2027, with projections indicating approximately 1.8 million cars sold per year by 2030 and about 1.9 million by 2035. Such projections reflect optimism about domestic demand and industrial capacity. (Source: Izvestia)
News from the trade network indicates that Russian car dealers will continue to offer pre-holiday incentives, though there is no explicit mention of direct discounts on new models. Dealers’ promotional activity is expected to focus on bundled offers and financing options rather than straightforward price cuts. (Source: Izvestia)
Previously, reports noted that eight car brands had raised their prices in Russia during November, underscoring ongoing price dynamics in the market even as new regulatory measures take effect. The interaction between stricter standards and pricing trends remains a key factor for consumers and manufacturers alike. (Source: Izvestia)