A Russian car owner has recently shifted from viewing a personal vehicle as a basic necessity to treating it as a luxury asset. This shift was highlighted by Elena Bekhtina, the head of the Delimobil car sharing service, who spoke to RBC. She noted that the ongoing rise in maintenance costs has pushed many owners to reconsider the value of owning a car in the current economic climate. The idea that a private car remains essential is being challenged as expenses grow, especially when financing a purchase adds more strain to monthly budgets.
Bekhtina argues that car sharing is increasingly replacing private ownership. She observes that many license holders are realizing that a personal vehicle in Russia is no longer just a means of transport but a premium possession, given the mounting costs of upkeep and the high initial price tag. The financial burden is amplified when purchases are financed through credit, making ownership less attractive for a growing segment of drivers. According to her assessment, sharing services present a more economical option for those who need mobility without the long term financial commitments of ownership.
To illustrate the economics, Bekhtina points to a typical scenario with a Hyundai Solaris. In this case, the owner would make roughly two trips per week. Under a car sharing model, the same vehicle could yield three times greater profitability compared with owning a personal car, once maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and financing costs are accounted for. This example underscores how utilization efficiency can dramatically alter the cost structure of mobility in Russia today.
Historical price trends have further shaped this shift. Data collected in 2023 show that the average price of a used car in Russia rose by about 30 percent, climbing from roughly 1.2 million rubles to around 1.57 million rubles by December. Private sellers increased prices by an even larger margin, about 32 percent, moving from around 1.0 million rubles to 1.4 million rubles. Dealer-listed prices were comparatively steadier, increasing by approximately 22 percent in December, from about 1.7 million rubles to 2.1 million rubles. These movements reflect a broader tightening in the used-car market and contribute to the growing appeal of car sharing as a more cost-effective mobility alternative.
Prior reporting had noted a parallel spike in the cost of new car purchases for Russians, with December 2023 figures showing a substantial rise. The increase highlighted the widening gap between what consumers pay upfront and the long-term financial commitment of owning a new vehicle. In the current environment, more consumers and fleet operators are weighing the value of shared mobility against traditional ownership, especially for those who require flexible, on-demand transportation rather than permanent asset ownership. This evolving landscape suggests a trend toward mobility as a service becoming a mainstream option in urban Russia, aligning with similar shifts observed in other large markets where utilization efficiency and total cost of ownership drive decision making. [citation: RBC interview with Elena Bekhtina, head of Delimobil]