The Russian automobile market is undergoing significant changes: used foreign cars with an engine capacity of up to 160 hp have gone up in price by approximately 15%, while demand for them continues to grow. These changes are related to new rules for calculating the recycling fee and the reorientation of imports to Asian countries.
Price and demand growth
Imports of cars with an engine capacity of up to 160 hp from China have increased by 3.5 times, and from Korea, they have doubled. Manufacturers in China have raised prices amid a sharp increase in orders from Russia. For example, the Audi A3, which cost 125,000–130,000 yuan in the fall, is now priced at 140,000–150,000, Izvestia reports. Crossovers like the Audi Q3 have similarly risen in price. As a result, the price of a turnkey car increased by 150,000–160,000 rubles.
Change in import structure
Market Impact
According to experts, more than 500,000 used cars were imported into Russia in 2025—a record in recent years. In 2026, new import regulations for individuals will affect up to half of all deliveries, increasing competition in the mass segment. Already, imported cars priced at 2.3–3 million rubles compete not only with the Lada Vesta and UAZ Patriot, but also with new Geely and Omoda crossovers.
Future Consequences
Experts predict that prices for new cars in Russia will rise by approximately 10% annually, with an additional 10–15% increase possible in the first half of 2026. Russian manufacturers are in a vulnerable position, as they are most dependent on the price sensitivity of buyers. Experts also do not rule out revising the recycling fee rates for cars with up to 160 hp if the pressure of imported models on the market continues.
