Russian officials are signaling a rapid shift toward domestic automobiles, with the aim of full localization within the next five years. This update comes from govoritmoskva.ru, citing Oleg Savchenko, a Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on Financial Markets, who asserts that the plan is not only feasible but well within reach given the country’s manufacturing capabilities. Savchenko emphasizes that the timeline may tighten or loosen slightly depending on practical realities, but the overall conviction is clear: a domestically produced vehicle fleet is achievable in a relatively short period, backed by a robust manufacturing pipeline and a state apparatus prepared to support a large-scale transition in procurement and maintenance. Source: govoritmoskva.ru.
Savchenko notes that the five-year horizon is anchored in the experience of operating and maintaining a national conveyor system. He argues that a unified approach to vehicle procurement for civil servants would streamline logistics, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and lower total cost of ownership through standardized servicing and easier parts availability. In his view, uniformity in vehicle types used across the civil service should be coupled with a strategic mix of vehicle classes that correspond to the responsibilities and rank of different officers. This nuanced approach would help ensure practicality in daily use while reinforcing national manufacturing priorities. Source: govoritmoskva.ru.
Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the State Duma, has publicly declared that lawmakers should consider using only domestically produced cars—such as Moskvich, Lada, and Aurus—as official vehicles. He argues that the country’s long-term economic sovereignty depends on maintaining a strong domestic automotive industry, and that adopting foreign models while sanctions constrain Russia would undermine industrial resilience. The emphasis is on creating a coherent, homegrown fleet that aligns with national policy and strategic interests. Source: govoritmoskva.ru.
Alexander Tolmachev, a deputy from the United Russia faction, added that Russia should resist allowing global car brands to influence policy through sanctions. He framed supporting the domestic automotive sector as a parliamentary priority, underscoring the importance of preserving local capacity, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring supply chain reliability. Tolmachev’s remarks reflect a broader stance that government procurement should positively reinforce national industry growth, even amid external pressures. Source: govoritmoskva.ru.