The first half of 2024 saw demand for pre owned luxury vehicles in Russia totaling 1,055 units, reflecting a modest 3% decline from the same period last year. Autostat notes that Bentley led the market, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all used luxury car transactions with 431 Bentley models changing hands. Rolls-Royce held the second spot with 190 units, followed by Maserati and Lamborghini in third and fourth places with 181 and 139 units respectively. Ferrari joined the top five with 77 sales. These figures illustrate a clear preference for top tier European brands in the secondary market, driven by strong brand prestige, performance credentials, and resilient resale values.
Within the Bentley lineup, the Continental GT stood out as the most popular model, recording 204 units sold. The Bentayga SUV attracted 106 buyers, and the Continental Flying Spur logged 97 transactions. Rounding out the top five were the Maserati Levante and the Lamborghini Urus, with 91 and 88 units respectively, underscoring sustained demand for high-performance luxury crossovers and sedans in this segment.
At the SPIEF gathering, industry observers flagged the debut of a hydrogen powered luxury vehicle. The NAMI Hydrogen sedan showcases a three motor propulsion system delivering a total of 1,020 horsepower, with two motors on the rear axle and one on the front. The car stores hydrogen in a compact three cylinder tank capable of holding up to 8 kilograms, balancing performance with emissions considerations. Estimated range sits around 600 kilometers, and the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under four seconds. This concept hints at a possible future direction for luxury models powered by alternative fuels and may influence markets beyond Russia as technology matures.
Analysts adopt a cautious stance for the automotive sector, noting that price levels could rise in the near term. This sentiment aligns with other large markets where shifts in inventory, currency dynamics and import activity shape premium pricing. For buyers in Canada and the United States, the takeaway is to monitor price movements, financing options, and residual values when considering premium used cars. Model desirability and advances in fuel technology can impact long term ownership costs, and prudent planning becomes essential in a fluctuating market.