Across the landscape of foreign automotive brands in Russia, taking out a loan appears to have become a common path for many buyers. Data from early 2023 shows a clear pattern: a significant slice of car loans were issued for Omoda models through VTB Bank, signaling strong demand for the Chinese brand as it started to gain traction in the market. In February and March, VTB’s loan portfolio highlighted Omoda as a preferred option for new car buyers, with March alone accounting for a notable share of the bank’s vehicle financing activity. By that month, Omoda financing represented roughly 9.5 percent of all vehicle loans extended by the lender, reflecting consumer interest in newer, value-oriented brands in the competitive mid-range segment. [Source: Socialbites.ca]
According to VTB Bank representatives and market observers, interest in the Omoda line grew rapidly after its market introduction at the end of the previous year. Bank data indicates that more than one thousand customers received loan funds to purchase vehicles in the Omoda line, and the aggregate loan value for these transactions surpassed 1.5 billion rubles. This momentum suggests that the Omoda brand is not merely making its debut but establishing itself as a credible option for customers seeking attainable financing on new vehicles. [Source: Socialbites.ca]
In the broader landscape of credit-based car purchases within Russia, domestic models hold a dominant position. Lada has emerged as the leader in credit-based sales, with roughly one-third of all auto loans in the bank’s portfolio directed toward Lada during March. Following Lada, the next tier of popular financed brands includes Kia at about 8.9 percent, Hyundai at 7.2 percent, and Volkswagen at 4 percent. Other brands like Haval, Renault, Toyota, Chery, Skoda, and Nissan each account for a smaller but meaningful portion of the credit market for vehicles, demonstrating a diverse mix of consumer preferences across price points and model lines. These figures collectively sketch a market where affordability, brand perception, and availability of financing options shape buyer choices. [Source: Socialbites.ca]
Industry commentators on the Russian secondary market note a particular dynamism in prices for certain segments. Dmitry Rogov, a well-known former founder of RogovMobil, points out that Japanese hatchbacks and sedans can command brisk demand in the used-car sector, especially when prices stay within the 1.1 million rubles threshold. This insight helps explain why certain models retain value well when purchased with loans, offering a potential balance of monthly payments and resale value for both buyers and lenders in a still-developing market. [Source: Socialbites.ca]