A sharp shift hit the Russian car market as 2023 closed, with a 9% drop in calls to car dealerships from owners of vehicles aged under three years. Analysts noted that Russians appear less inclined to buy new cars, a conclusion reported by a major newspaper under the headline News.
The year also showed surprising changes in where service inquiries came from. The largest surge occurred among owners of cars older than 15 years, with calls rising by 21% over the year. The second biggest increase was from drivers of models aged 10 to 14 years. Overall, the share of requests from owners of cars older than five years climbed by 12% within the twelve months observed.
In terms of service demand, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, and Ford Focus were the most frequent brands mentioned in service requests.
Industry observers noted that the market for new cars in Russia has substantially contracted. Brand variety and model options have narrowed, the minimum price for a new vehicle has risen, and overall sales have fallen, according to Tatyana Ovchinnikova, director of the Fit Service network of service stations.
According to Autostat, last year the average price of foreign cars in the Russian Federation rose by about 24% to 3 million rubles. Prices for used cars increased by 17% and now start around 1 million rubles.
Earlier statements indicated that starting February 24, South Korea would tighten control over used car exports to Russia. Market chatter also highlighted warnings about a widely reported fraud scheme in car services.
These shifts reflect broader economic pressures and evolving consumer behavior in Russia. Analysts expect the trend to continue as domestic market dynamics and import policies influence buying patterns, maintenance choices, and vehicle lifecycles across the country. The changes also underscore how consumer confidence and financing conditions can alter the timing of vehicle purchases, trade-ins, and service intervals for a broad spectrum of car owners.
In summary, 2023 saw older vehicle stock drive more service calls even as demand for new cars waned. Brand popularity in service inquiries remained led by a few familiar names, while price movements for both new and used cars hinted at a market redefining its value and expectations in the face of shifting economic realities. Market watchers will continue to monitor export policies, price trends, and consumer behavior as they shape Russia’s automotive landscape in the near term.