In a development shaping how lawmakers are supplied, cars assigned to deputies across constituencies will be sourced exclusively from Russian manufacturers. The announcement came out of a September session of the State Duma Council, where Vyacheslav Volodin, head of the State Duma, shared the decision via the council’s official telegram channel. This step marks a shift toward domestic supply in the legislative apparatus and reflects the broader push to strengthen the national car industry.
The spokesperson for the State Duma confirmed that during discussions with the group leaders, the proposal centered on ensuring that only vehicles produced within Russia would be allocated to deputies serving in their respective constituencies. He noted that the group leaders unanimously supported moving forward with this policy, which aims to align parliamentary procurement with domestic production capabilities.
Volodin indicated that the plan will be presented at the next State Duma Council meeting, scheduled for September 18. He stressed that the initiative is not merely a procurement preference but part of a broader strategy to bolster Russia’s automotive sector and encourage local manufacturing. The aim is to reduce reliance on imported models and to foster growth in domestic car production, which aligns with national industrial priorities.
In a related move, the Chairman of the State Duma shared that deputies discussed the official vehicle supply arrangements with the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation. The discussions concluded with a decision to transition to domestic brands, citing the retirement of older vehicle fleets and the desire to support homegrown automakers. This approach, Volodin explained, would contribute to the development of the domestic automobile industry and provide a clear signal of support to Russian manufacturers.
On September 4, President Vladimir Putin directed the expansion of the car sharing program to be based on vehicles produced in Russia. This directive underscores a broader policy trajectory that links government mobility to homegrown production, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and stimulate vehicle output within the country.
Analysts have noted that, prior to these developments, sales of new passenger cars in Russia experienced a notable boost in August, with figures rising roughly 2.6 times compared with the previous period. The surge reflects renewed demand in a market influenced by regulatory shifts, incentives for local industry, and consumer interest in networks of domestic brands. Observers say the evolving procurement rules for officials may contribute to a ripple effect, supporting vehicle manufacturers by expanding demand for locally produced cars and encouraging continued investment in production capacity.
Overall, the momentum toward domestic procurement in the state apparatus mirrors broader economic goals that prioritize local industry, reduce dependence on imports, and reinforce Russia’s automotive manufacturing base. By aligning official fleet policies with national production, authorities aim to create a steady demand stream for domestic brands, foster innovation within the sector, and promote long-term growth for Russian carmakers. This evolving policy landscape suggests a careful calibration of procurement practices with industrial aims, signaling intent to nurture a resilient, domestically rooted automotive ecosystem for the country’s public sector and beyond.