In April, Russia saw the average car loan rise by 7.1 percent compared with April of the previous year, reaching a new high of 1.3 million rubles. This figure comes from the Scoring Bureau data cited by Interfax and relayed by RIA Novosti.
Compared with a year earlier, the total number of auto loans issued to fund vehicle purchases grew roughly 3.7 times, totaling 68.9 thousand loans. Russians borrowed a combined 90.4 billion rubles to purchase vehicles during that period. The stock of active Russian auto loans held steady, hovering around 1.76 million loans year over year. Meanwhile, the share of loans overdue by more than 90 days rose by 5.5 percent, reaching 110.1 thousand loans, with the value climbing 16.7 percent to a record 68.3 billion rubles.
According to VTB Bank, in the latter part of March borrowers leaned toward auto financing for Omoda models within the lineup of foreign brands. That month, the Chinese brand accounted for 9.5 percent of all vehicle loans issued by the bank.
In March, RIA Novosti cited remarks from the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy. The federation council was advised to consider extending or expanding the preferential car loan program to support consumer vehicle purchases.
These trends illustrate how financing conditions and policy signals influence Russia’s auto market. As lenders report larger average loan sizes and a growing pool of borrowers, dealers and consumers alike are watching for shifts in incentives, credit terms, and the availability of subsidized loan options. Market analysts note that even with rising volumes, the share of overdue loans remains a critical indicator of underwriting risk and consumer affordability. Regulators and financial services observers point to ongoing discussions that could affect subsidies, interest rates, and eligibility for government-backed loan programs in the near term.
Overall, the data suggest a landscape where borrowers continue to rely on financing to acquire vehicles, while banks monitor repayment performance and policy developments that could alter the financing mix and risk profile. The situation remains dynamic, with policy changes and credit conditions likely to shape the pace of auto lending in the months ahead. [citation]