When Russians shop for a practical vehicle in the category of light commercial transport, the gray import market tends to favor Korean and American minibuses and larger vans. This trend was highlighted by Dmitry Rogov, the founder of RogovMobil, during an interview with socialbites.ca, a platform known for its turnkey car delivery services from South Korea, Europe, and Japan. Rogov notes that the appeal of four-wooters and multi-seat vans goes beyond mere size; it centers on reliability, cargo flexibility, and the promise of comfortable, feature-filled travel for families or businesses alike. The market has shown a steady appetite for models that deliver real utility without sacrificing everyday drivability. [RogovMobil interview, socialbites.ca]
Minibuses have grown just as popular as traditional passenger crossovers or compact vans in the Russian buyer landscape. The preference arises from their versatility, generous cargo space, and the ability to transport people and goods with ease. In terms of price bands, most buyers are looking at vehicles around 3.1 million rubles, with a notable willingness to stretch up to 4.5 million rubles to secure a model that meets both comfort and capability expectations. Among the favored names are the Hyundai Grand Starex, the newer Hyundai Staria, and the American Chevrolet Express, which continues to be perceived by many as a trusted minibus option that suits a broad range of uses. [RogovMobil interview, socialbites.ca]
According to Rogov, buyers often opt for the highest configuration levels. The trend includes seats that are electrically adjustable and ventilated, leather upholstery, a high-grade infotainment system, integrated navigation, a panoramic roof, and a suite of modern conveniences. Additionally, these minibuses typically feature robust powertrains that balance performance with fuel economy and automatic transmissions for smooth, stress-free driving. Rogov underscored the growing demand for all-wheel-drive configurations, which enhance traction and stability in diverse road conditions across Russia’s vast territories. [RogovMobil interview, socialbites.ca]
Industry observers who track the secondary market echo similar findings. Yang Heitzeer, a former Vice President of the National Automobile Association, commented on Gazeta.Ru that crossover models have shown relatively modest depreciation compared to many other segments in the used-car market. This dynamic contributes to sustained interest in larger, more versatile vehicles within the gray import framework. As buyers weigh cost against long-term reliability and resale value, the preference for well-equipped, multi-purpose minibuses remains a persistent thread in the Russian automotive landscape. [Gazeta.Ru interview, socialbites.ca]