When the ruble stabilizes around the 82–84 range against the dollar, the price trajectory for cars subject to sanctions and brought into Russia through parallel imports is expected to rise by about eight percent over the next four months. This assessment was voiced to Izvestiya by Zaliev, the founder of GTK-Holding, who highlighted how currency movements can ripple through the auto market and shape consumer costs. According to him, manufacturers once dictated prices directly, with dealers earning not only from the sale but also from value-added services that followed. In recent times, dealers have shifted to presenting the full landed price of a vehicle, incorporating shipping and customs expenses into the sticker price. On average, these expenditures account for roughly 60–70 percent of a car’s total cost, significantly altering the pricing structure (Source: Izvestiya).”
Market activity on the Moscow Stock Exchange reflects these shifts. As of April 14, the dollar hovered around the 81.79 ruble mark, a level that contributes to broader pricing dynamics across imported models. This exchange-rate context helps explain why dealers and importers may adjust sticker prices to align with broader cost bases and anticipated currency trends (Source: Moscow Exchange data, April 14).
In the first half of April, a poll conducted by socialbites.ca among participants in the auto sector found that both car dealers and private sellers offering vehicles sourced from abroad had raised prices by around 10 percent. The survey captured a mood of cautious adjustment in response to currency movements, freight costs, and the evolving regulatory environment around sanctions and parallel imports (Source: socialbites.ca).”
Autostat, a leading analytical agency, reported that in March 2023 Russia saw a notable volume of used-car activity, with 497.6 thousand units purchased, representing a 17.3 percent increase from March of the previous year. The data illustrate not only demand resilience but also how currency and import mechanics influence the used-car segment, as buyers weigh the potential for price changes and inventory availability in a shifting market landscape (Source: AUTOSTAT).”
Overall, the market narrative points to a cautious but active adjustment in pricing for imported vehicles in Russia, driven by currency dynamics, the cost structure of shipping and customs, and the evolving framework governing sanctions and parallel imports. For consumers, this means that the price gap between direct-from-manufacturer models and those sourced through international channels can widen, particularly as suppliers pass through logistical costs and regulatory fees. Industry observers suggest that the next quarter could bring further volatility if currency pressures persist, but also opportunities in segments less exposed to import costs or those with stabilized supply chains. The dialogue around pricing remains closely tied to macroeconomic indicators, border and customs policies, and the behavior of major dealers who navigate between direct importer relationships and the growing role of parallel import pathways (Source: industry reports; attributed commentary).”