The Russian government intends to keep the current demand support program for combustion engine cars intact, and it will not pivot toward electric vehicle subsidies. Denis Manturov, who heads the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated that the core vehicle categories already covered by the state program will remain in place. This confirms a continuity approach, prioritizing familiar models while the policy landscape evolves in other areas.
There had been circulating reports that the program might be refocused to assist buyers of electric vehicles, but Manturov emphasized that those reports were inaccurate. He also noted that while the fundamental framework will stay the same, there is room for adjustments to input parameters such as the overall price cap or the level of the discount offered. In practical terms, this means the government is prepared to recalibrate the program to reflect market conditions or budgetary constraints without abandoning the support mechanism altogether.
In summary, the policy direction signals stability for existing participants in the program, with the possibility of targeted tweaks rather than a wholesale shift toward electric mobility. The adjustability of price thresholds and discounts suggests policymakers intend to keep the program responsive to inflation, exchange rate movements, and regional economic differences, while preserving the objective of making comparable vehicles more affordable for a broad segment of buyers.
Under the current terms, preferential loans are available for purchases of UAZ, Lada, and GAZ models up to 2 million rubles, covering vehicles released in 2022. The program offers a 20% discount on the vehicle price, with a higher regional discount of 25% available in the Far Eastern Federal District. There is a separate enhanced discount of up to 35% of the vehicle cost, capped at 625,000 rubles, applicable to Evolute electric vehicles when eligible. Vehicles produced by the Moskvich plant are not included in the program as of now, which may influence buyer choices depending on regional availability and supplier participation.
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Overall, the incentive structure remains designed to support a broad lineup of domestically produced vehicles, while providing a specific push for electric models where the economics align with policy goals. Buyers should expect that regional differences will continue to shape the discounts offered, and that the government may adjust the discount rate or price caps in response to market dynamics and budget considerations. This pragmatic approach aims to sustain vehicle affordability across a diverse set of models and brands while keeping the door open for future refinements as the market evolves.