In Russia, business circles have floated ideas for preserving discounts on the purchase of domestically produced cars. The discussions center on reviving a state program that last ran from 2010 to 2018. Under that program, citizens could recycle an old vehicle and receive a price reduction when buying a newer model.
A recent report notes that the NSRO Ruslom.com association has submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Viktor Kovshevny, the association’s director, indicated that replacing an old car with a new one could see the discount increase from 50,000 rubles to as much as 150,000 rubles. He also argued for creating a driver registry within the State Service and for offering recycling options through car dealers, private recycling firms, or specialized associations.
Kovshevny stressed that recycling companies must possess licenses to handle hazardous waste and must issue a disposal certificate. Without such documentation, deregistering a vehicle would face significant obstacles.
The association also proposed introducing penalties for false certification and for providing disposal documents without the required hazardous waste treatment license. This, he argued, would reduce the risk of misrepresentation and improve program integrity.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the association’s appeal has not yet been received by the ministry. Earlier reports indicated that the Ministries of Economic Development and Industry and Trade of Russia had reached an agreement on the amount and terms of discounts for buyers of electric vehicles.
In essence, the initiative underscores how recycled vehicles and domestic car purchases could be linked to tangible savings for consumers, while also emphasizing the need for robust regulatory safeguards. If implemented, the program would aim to stimulate domestic automotive production, support environmental goals, and provide budgetary clarity on how discounts are applied to new car purchases.
Observers note that any revival would have to balance incentives with practical oversight. A transparent framework would help ensure that discounts reach intended buyers and do not become a loophole for misreporting or improper vehicle deregistration. The conversation indicates a broader push to harmonize environmental policies with industry support, keeping consumer interests and official compliance aligned.
Overall, the discussions reflect ongoing efforts to refine state support for domestically produced vehicles, integrate recycling as a core component of the policy, and establish clear licensing and verification standards for all participants in the program. As the dialogue continues, stakeholders will gauge how such a program could function in practice and what legislative or administrative steps would be required to implement it effectively.