Overview
- Imports of new Chinese passenger cars to Russia rose about 20% in September to roughly $949 million, the highest monthly level this year, keeping Russia the top buyer ahead of the UAE ($669.7 million) and the UK ($541.2 million).
- Year to date, Russian purchases of Chinese cars total about $5 billion versus $10.9 billion in the same period of 2024 after an early‑2025 increase in the recycling fee.
- Minpromtorg drafted a new utilization‑fee method effective November 1 that sets a base rate by engine displacement and a raising coefficient by engine power, and First Vice‑Prime Minister Denis Manturov asked the ministry to consider a one‑month postponement.
- Used‑car resales in Russia reached 553,300 in September, up 4.5% year over year but 2.1% below August, with Lada, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Nissan leading brand totals and the Lada 2107 the top model.
- Used‑car imports hit a two‑year peak of 48,400 units in September, almost entirely by individuals, as Japan’s share fell to 39% and China’s rose to 20%, close to South Korea’s 22%, with Toyota leading the brand mix and Toyota Corolla and Honda Freed the most imported models.