Drive Click Bank, the auto lending arm of Sber, has opened a regional office in Simferopol, signaling a stepped-up push into the Crimean market. The move expands access to vehicle financing in the region and aligns with Sber’s broader strategy to grow its automotive loan portfolio across its corporate and consumer banking segments.
Residents of Crimea now have the option to acquire vehicles on credit with remarkably low rates, including a promotional rate of 0.01% per year available through dealer networks and joint programs with several car brands. This development is positioned as a strategic effort to stimulate demand for both new and pre-owned vehicles by reducing the financial burden on buyers and broadening the range of financing options at traditional and partner dealerships.
In a recent disclosure, Sberbank highlighted the scale of its lending to the automotive sector, noting that Drive Click Bank originated car loans totaling more than 142 billion rubles over a seven-month period. For context, the bank pointed to 2022 activity of 57 billion rubles and 2021 activity of 72 billion rubles, illustrating a marked acceleration in lending momentum within a relatively short timeframe. Kirill Tsarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sberbank, commented that car purchase loan programs are now accessible to customers in Crimea, signaling an intentional expansion of consumer finance in the region and a commitment to supporting local automotive markets through structured loan products and brand collaborations.
The financing options extend beyond new vehicles, with customers also able to obtain credit for purchasing used cars. The lineup of loanable brands has expanded beyond today’s offerings, with models from brands such as Lada, Chery, Exeed, and Moskvich highlighted as part of the current program. As awareness grows, the lender anticipates the list will continue to broaden, offering borrowers more choices and flexibility when financing a vehicle. The emphasis remains on convenient credit terms, transparent rates, and a streamlined application process designed to deliver faster approvals for qualified buyers while maintaining prudent risk management standards.
Analysts and industry observers note that this expansion reflects a broader trend in consumer finance toward integrated, multi-brand automotive lending that leverages close collaboration between banks and automakers. By integrating loan programs with dealership networks, Sber aims to provide a cohesive experience that simplifies the purchase journey for customers, from initial price discussions to final financing agreements. For residents of Crimea, this means greater visibility into financing options, a clearer path to vehicle ownership, and the potential to secure favorable terms through cooperative programs tied to specific brands and models. As the program evolves, the bank is expected to announce additional brand partnerships and new incentives designed to sustain momentum and expand access to credit for a wider segment of buyers across the region and beyond.