Parallel car imports, which bring in vehicles from third countries without the maker’s direct approval, broaden the market assortment but tend to push prices higher. This perspective comes from Kirill Ivanov, Development Director at CarPrice, in an interview with About This Life.
Experts note that parallel imports helped diversify the Russian car market and replenish it with models not originally slated for delivery to Russia. The focus is often on electric vehicles and configurations designed for European or Asian markets that are not typically offered in the domestic lineup.
Ivanov added that parallel imports contribute to higher automobile prices. He pointed to a persistent gap in the market that does not favor price reductions. In addition, currency fluctuations play a significant role. A rising exchange rate increases the cost of vehicles directly, and the continually shifting rate leads market participants to price in additional risk, which ultimately affects consumers at the point of sale.
Recent announcements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade indicate an updated list of goods permitted for parallel import into Russia. The list has expanded to include several motor oil brands, such as Shell Helix and Rimula, along with additional automotive brands, signaling a broader tolerance for cross-border sourcing within the sector.