In the spring of 2023, Russia saw a wave of parallel imports bringing a wide range of new car models into the market. Market participants cited by a major news agency indicate a deliberate strategy to diversify offerings and respond to growing demand from buyers seeking access to popular international brands beyond traditional channels.
Industry insiders noted plans to maintain a steady flow of vehicles from brands such as Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, alongside the introduction of several updated models. Among the upcoming arrivals are the Mazda Atenza, Mazda CX-4, and Toyota Avalon, reflecting a broader push to expand the product lineup for local consumers. This information comes from the Development Director of a prominent car holding, identified as Yulia Ovchinnikova of Klyuchavto, underscoring the practical steps companies are taking to broaden their catalogues and meet forecasted demand.
Meanwhile, Avilon’s electric vehicle division, Avilon Electro, outlined ambitions to bring models like Avatr 11, Dongfeng E70, and HiPhi Z to the market in the near term. The move signals continued growth in the EV segment as buyers increasingly consider fully electric options alongside conventional brands, with distributors outlining specific models slated for release in parallel import channels. These plans were reported by industry sources and reflect a broader trend toward wider access to electrified vehicles within the Russian market.
As of March 13, the Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed that cars from twelve foreign brands were added to the official list allowing parallel imports. The updated roster includes Renault, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Hyundai, Genesis, Dacia, Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, and Isuzu, with the document now forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for approval. This development marks a notable expansion in the set of brands eligible for parallel import operations, aimed at increasing availability and offering competitive pricing for local buyers. The existence of such a list since last spring had already encompassed brands like Land Rover, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Suzuki, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, and Bugatti, highlighting a continuing trend toward diversified import channels within the country.
Earlier reports indicated that the first part of 2023 saw a significant uptick in the import of used cars into Russia, with volumes rising by approximately 2.8 times. This surge in used imports, alongside the evolving strategy around new parallel imports, points to a dynamic market environment where buyers are increasingly exposed to a broader array of models and price points through non-traditional distribution channels. Such shifts reflect ongoing changes in automotive retail and the regulatory landscape, as industry stakeholders navigate evolving rules and consumer interest in a wider selection of vehicles.