Recent data from the agency Avtostat, cited by JSC Passport Industrial Consultancy, shows a notable rise in right-hand drive vehicle imports into Russia during the first eleven months of this year. The trend reflects a significant shift in the automotive market, with more buyers turning to right-hand drive models despite the regional and regulatory complexities involved.
Compared with the same period last year, the January through November tally climbed from 108 thousand units to 154 thousand units. That is a 43 percent increase, signaling growing interest in right-hand drive configurations across the country and suggesting a broadening acceptance among consumers and importers alike. Market watchers view the figure as a meaningful indicator of how demand for distinctive vehicle layouts can shape import patterns over a full calendar year.
Within the right-hand drive segment, the Toyota brand leads the way by a wide margin, accounting for roughly 68.7 thousand units and about 45 percent of all imports in this category. Honda trainers followed with 43.2 thousand vehicles, while Nissan contributed 15.5 thousand units, representing around 10 percent of the total. These three brands together illustrate a clear preference for certain Japanese models in the Russian market for right-hand drive cars during the period under review.
Beyond the top trio, six more Japanese brands occupy prominent positions in the ranking. Subarus, Suzukis, Mazdas, Daihatsus, Mitsubishis, and Lexuses collectively helped sustain the overall growth in imports. Among non-Japanese brands, BMW reached the tenth slot with 694 units, while Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz recorded 597 and 444 units respectively. Audi’s tally stood at 169 units, with several other brands contributing smaller fractions to the overall mix. The distribution highlights a diverse importer base and a broad spectrum of models appealing to different buyer needs, from compact urban options to more premium or utilitarian offerings.
There is also regional nuance in the data. The Kaliningrad region, in particular, saw a substantial uptick in car imports from abroad, with an increase approaching 80 percent compared with typical levels. This regional surge underscores how geographic and logistical factors can influence import figures, especially in areas with limited local production and unique cross-border access. In addition, the broader national picture for used vehicles shows strong movement as well. In 2022, Russia imported a total of about 221.3 thousand used cars during January through November, which was 82 percent higher than the same period in the previous year. The evolving mix of new and used vehicles suggests a dynamic market where consumer preferences, pricing, and supply chains continue to shift in tandem with global automotive trends.
Analysts note that the rise in right-hand drive imports may reflect several converging influences, including resale value considerations, access to particular models not readily available in left-hand drive configurations, and the tactical decisions of importers seeking to meet demand in specific regions or demographic segments. While regulatory and logistical constraints can temper growth, the current data indicate sustained interest in right-hand drive vehicles and a willingness among buyers to navigate the associated requirements. The year-to-date momentum provides a basis for further exploration of how this niche within the broader Russian automobile market evolves in the near term. (Avtostat)