The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation recently announced a shift in the country’s parallel import policy concerning Renault. In a formal statement, the ministry said that Renault would be removed from the list of brands eligible for parallel import. This step arrives after AvtoVAZ agreed to take on the responsibility for warranty service related to Renault vehicles, including the provision of spare parts and aftersales support. The decision signals a transition in the way Renault cars will be handled in the domestic market and should be understood in the context of evolving distribution and service commitments within Russia.
Earlier this year, Moscow’s leadership signaled a broader restructuring of Renault operations in Russia. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the Renault Russia plant undergoing a transformation in ownership, with the city assuming control and announcing the resumption of passenger car production under the Moskvich brand. Concurrently, it was confirmed that the plant would continue to provide maintenance services for Renault vehicles in the Russian market. The plan underscores a strategic alignment between local manufacturing capacity and a recognizable service and warranty framework for Renault customers staying in Russia, even as brand licensing and branding arrangements undergo change.
There were additional market dynamics reported regarding Renault’s presence in the country. Renault’s former official Belarusian representative offices indicated a readiness to facilitate the purchase of Renault vehicles for Russian buyers using rubles, accompanied by the necessary documentation to begin sales of updated Koleos crossovers and vehicle registrations. This development highlights ongoing efforts to support smoother transactions for Russian customers amid regulatory and market transitions, while ensuring the administrative steps required for customer onboarding remain clear and accessible.
Industry observers noted movements related to the broader Renault ecosystem as well. AvtoVAZ disclosed plans that align with efforts to expand local production and introduce new models within the domestic lineup. The company mentioned the introduction of the Lada e-Largus at Izhevsk, signaling an emphasis on electrified or hybridized offerings that resonate with current consumer demand for efficient, affordable mobility. Alongside this, there was talk of relocating the Vesta production activity to Tolyatti, a move aimed at optimizing manufacturing workflows and capitalizing on established industrial capabilities in that region. These shifts illustrate how Russia is reconfiguring its automotive portfolio to reflect market realities while maintaining a robust local production base and service network for Renault vehicles present in the country.