In 2022, the Russian automotive market faced a mix of challenges and resilience. Officials project that the country will see about 800 thousand units of new car sales, a forecast discussed by the deputy prime minister and head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The industry expects production to top 600 thousand vehicles, with new car sales approaching the 800 thousand mark as the year progresses.
These projections come as the market shows signs of stabilization after a year of upheaval. The car sector remained one of the hardest hit industries, reflecting the broader economic pressures. The strategic shift involved many Western manufacturers withdrawing from Russia and shuttering assembly facilities, a move that reshaped supply chains, pricing dynamics, and consumer access to certain models. Even as stabilization appeared on the horizon, the absence of international partners continued to influence production capacity, dealer networks, and the pace of recovery in domestic demand.
Vote – win Lada!
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help identify the standout car introductions of the year. Engaging voters will contribute to a broader sense of which models are resonating with drivers in the region.
As a thank you for taking part, three prizes are up for grabs among survey respondents who complete the questionnaire. The drawing is open to all participants who finish the survey before the stated deadline.