The chairman of the Russian Association of Automobile Dealers, Alexey Podshchekoldin, argued for a state-backed entity to accelerate the growth of Russia’s domestic auto industry. He highlighted the need for a clear path forward and spoke at the latest ROAD press briefing, outlining a plan that centers on strategic government support to strengthen local production and supply chains.
Podshchekoldin emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with authorities. He described a dedicated company designed to spur automotive development as a critical tool for aligning policy, industry needs, and investment incentives. He pointed to practical examples and warned that without coordinated action the sector risks falling behind global peers. In discussing potential naming, he suggested Rosavto as a working title for a new state institution aimed at guiding national automotive advancement.
The proposed organization would focus on planning the production of cars and spare parts, creating a centralized framework to prioritize projects and ensure a steady flow of orders. Its mandate would include regular communication with the Russian Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade on order allocation and the siting of new manufacturing facilities. Beyond production planning, the entity would work to regulate relationships among market participants through appropriate legal measures and to steer scientific efforts tied to automotive innovation. This includes fostering collaboration with universities and research institutes to advance new car technologies and related research initiatives.
In discussing market conditions, it was noted that car sales in the first month of 2024 showed a downturn compared with January 2023, signaling broader consolidation pressures in the domestic market. Projections for 2024 varied, with a cautious scenario predicting sales around 1.1 million vehicles and a more optimistic outlook suggesting about 1.3 million units. The conversation underscored that the sector faces significant headwinds while also outlining potential pathways for stabilization through coordinated policy and industry action.
Earlier statements from dealers drew attention to sizable inventories of unsold vehicles, a sign of the readjustment phase underway in the market. The dialogue around a state-driven development model sought to address these stock levels by smoothing demand, speeding up the introduction of new models, and ensuring that production capacity aligns with consumer demand. The overall aim is to create a sustainable balance between supply, pricing, and availability, while stimulating investment in domestic manufacturing capabilities.