Association “Russian Automobile Dealers” (ROAD) has advanced a proposal for a federal law that would govern the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, from the moment it rolls off the assembly line to its final disposal. The aim is to create a nationwide framework that aligns the responsibilities of automakers, dealers, service networks, and end users under a single regulatory umbrella. ROAD sent the proposal to the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, accompanied by a detailed description of goals, anticipated benefits, and concrete steps for implementation. The group emphasizes that current rules do not address many critical linkages in the market, resulting in uneven expectations and practical gaps. With a lifecycle law, the industry would have clear rules on production quality, sales practices, maintenance obligations, data governance, recycling, and informed consumer choices. Supporters argue that such coherence could reduce disputes, improve warranty outcomes, and foster a higher level of trust among buyers and sellers.
ROAD notes that today’s legislation does not directly regulate many aspects of the relationship among automakers, dealers, and end customers. The association believes that a federal law overseeing the entire vehicle lifecycle would bring much needed clarity, covering phases from design and manufacturing through sales, service, repair, and end-of-life handling. In their view, this approach would create predictable expectations for all parties, promote safer products, ensure timely maintenance, and establish consistent standards for data management and environmental responsibility. It would also help consumers understand their rights at every stage of ownership and guarantee that service providers meet uniform performance benchmarks.
The association proposed the creation of an interdepartmental working group to develop a draft law titled “On the Sale, Maintenance and Disposal of Vehicles.”
Earlier ROAD had urged the introduction of new requirements for automobile manufacturers, emphasizing the need for stronger alignment between production practices, service networks, and consumer protection. The proposal underscores that clear, enforceable rules are essential for reducing the friction points that often arise between manufacturers, retailers, and buyers. By advocating targeted reforms, ROAD seeks to set a shared standard that would guide operations across the automotive sector and help all participants plan with greater certainty.
The plan calls for ten-year diagnostics data to be stored on servers located within the Russian Federation and for the creation of spare parts warehouses designed to enable maintenance and repair during the warranty period and throughout the vehicle’s service life. This approach would aim to improve transparency, support proactive diagnostics, and ensure that qualified parts and services remain available when needed. The proposal also envisions robust data governance measures to safeguard sensitive information while ensuring accessible records for authorized service providers and regulators. Such a data framework could reduce downtime for repairs and extend vehicle life through more reliable maintenance planning.
In addition, ROAD insists on localization requirements that would translate menus of vehicles imported into Russia and translate spare parts catalogs and user manuals into Russian. This move would make essential information readily accessible to owners and technicians, facilitating safer operation, easier self-education, and streamlined servicing across brands. By standardizing language across documentation, the initiative aims to minimize confusion, improve warranty compliance, and support a more informed consumer experience when interacting with vehicles and their support ecosystems.
ROAD also considers it necessary to oblige automakers to develop courses on the operation and repair of equipment within Russia. The goal is to cultivate a skilled, locally grounded workforce capable of servicing a wide range of technologies, ensuring consistent service quality, and reducing dependence on external expertise. Such training programs would help technicians stay up to date with evolving vehicle designs and technologies, contributing to higher safety standards, better diagnostics, and more reliable maintenance outcomes for owners across the country.
It was stated that Russian officials were discussing measures to support AvtoVAZ due to debts, highlighting how policy considerations may intersect with major domestic manufacturers. The discussions signal a potential alignment between regulatory reform efforts and the strategic needs of key players in the market. Observers note that any moves toward a comprehensive lifecycle framework could have far-reaching implications for investment, supply chains, and workforce development, shaping how automakers, dealers, and service networks plan for the years ahead.