Rising vehicle prices and higher service costs are reshaping how Russians view mobility. A growing number are turning to long-term car rental as a practical alternative to owning a car outright. The shift is highlighted by a Kommersant report based on data from a TopCar survey that included 2,500 participants. The findings point to a preference for flexibility and predictable costs over the burden of a large down payment followed by ongoing ownership expenses. In this environment, rental providers and car-sharing platforms are expanding offerings that feel closer to owning a car while preserving the advantages of access without the immediate capital outlay. This movement mirrors a broader, global trend toward mobility as a service, where people value access and convenience over possession. The survey results underscore how the market is adapting as households reassess affordability and control over transportation costs.
In November 2024, the share of Russians with a driver’s license who rented a car for a day or longer rose to 25 percent, up from 18 percent a year earlier. Analysts say this uptick signals a growing comfort with non-ownership options and a preference for flexible, predictable use of vehicles as part of daily life. The data illustrate a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, where car access becomes a service that can adapt to changing budgets and lifestyle needs rather than a single, large, upfront purchase. This trend is reshaping how people plan trips, conduct errands, and manage the costs associated with car use over time, particularly in urban settings where ownership advantages may be less compelling amid rising expenses.
The majority of renters keep the vehicle for two or three days, with a substantial 64 percent using it for tourism and 15 percent for business purposes, while the remainder cites a variety of other reasons. This pattern highlights the flexibility that longer rental periods provide, enabling travelers to explore without committing to ownership or to reserve a vehicle for business trips without tying up capital in a purchase. The mix of use cases reflects how modern mobility services are designed to accommodate both leisure and professional needs, offering a practical bridge between short-term rent and full ownership.
Industry observers noted that Yandex Drive has introduced a long-leased car purchase option, presenting a pathway from rental to ownership within a single ecosystem. This development signals a shift in how car-sharing platforms position themselves, moving beyond pure access to include resale or ownership components. The offering is described as an alternative to a traditional down payment-free vehicle loan, with payments collected in equal monthly installments and a purchase window that extends from one to four years. For customers seeking predictable costs and a gradual accumulation of equity, the program frames rental as a potential stepping stone toward ownership while maintaining the benefits of flexibility and minimize upfront risk.
Currently, Moscow and St. Petersburg together offer around 650 cars available for purchase through this program. The fleet includes models such as Haval Jolion, Geely Coolray, and the Hongqi H5, all with a mileage cap of up to 30,000 kilometers. This selection reflects a broad mix of popular, affordable, and business-class options that cater to both personal and professional needs. The emphasis on mileage limits helps manage depreciation and resale value while offering consumers a practical route to ownership without a traditional loan. The regional availability also demonstrates how urban centers with dense demand can drive the success of long-term leasing and purchase options, inviting interest from potential buyers who want flexibility with clear, predictable terms.
Earlier on, Russian car sharing began to shift toward Chinese-made cars as part of a broader movement to diversify fleets and reduce procurement costs. This trend has influenced how fleets are composed and how quickly new models enter service, providing a glimpse into how global supply chains affect local mobility programs. The ongoing evolution of these services sheds light on how markets adapt to price pressures, consumer preferences, and the desire for more versatile ways to access vehicles without the obligations that come with owning a car. In this context, the Russian experience offers a useful case study for North American audiences exploring mobility-as-a-service models and the possibilities of blending rental convenience with options for eventual ownership.