In June, more than half of the newly sold passenger cars in Russia were imports from abroad, a trend highlighted by the analytical agency Avtostat. The data show that the share of imported vehicles stood at 53 percent for the month, and this figure has effectively doubled over the course of the year, rising from 26 percent in June of the previous year. Official imports from Chinese automakers accounted for 38 percent of sales, while parallel imports represented 15 percent. A year earlier, these two channels contributed 16 percent and 10 percent respectively, illustrating a clear shift in the market dynamics toward more external supply channels. [Avtostat]
Over the same period, the market share commanded by domestic brands demonstrated notable growth. From 25 percent in June of the prior year, the domestic brands’ share climbed to 32 percent by the end of the most recent month. Concurrently, the portion of sales represented by foreign cars that are produced domestically showed a dramatic shift, moving from 49 percent to 15 percent in the same timeframe, signaling a broader recalibration of production and consumption patterns within the market. [Avtostat]
Industry observers noted that the rise in recovery fees would not translate into higher prices for domestically produced cars, indicating that the pricing structure for local brands would remain stable despite shifts in import dynamics. This assessment reflects industry expectations and the ongoing efforts by domestic manufacturers to maintain affordability while navigating evolving import pressures. [Avtostat]
Overall, the June results underscore a pronounced tilt toward imports, combined with a reinforcing trajectory for domestic brands, as the market adapts to supply chain realities and policy measures affecting the automotive sector. The implications for Canadian and American audiences lie in the broader lessons about cross-border trade, consumer choice, and the balance between locally produced and foreign-made vehicles in similar markets. [Avtostat]