Russia has allowed the return of car brands from South Korea and Japan

Against the background of communication between the leaders of Russia and the United States, which was announced the day before, cardinal changes are possible in the Russian car market at the junction of 2025-2026. This opinion was shared by Mikhail Bakhtiyarov, co-founder of the Major dealership company, at the ForAuto-2025 conference, Izvestia correspondent reports on February 13.

"Given the news background, which was discussed yesterday, there are trends that by the end of the year may change the rules of the game in our market. One of them is Washington's direct instruction to the countries of direct subordination - Korea and Japan. After another six months, which will be spent on certification or adaptation of Kazakhstani OTTS, we will see the return of brands, which many customers are waiting for <...> In the IV quarter, the market situation may change dramatically, and this will lead to a change in the filling of our car dealerships," - said Bakhtiarov.

Another expected scenario, according to the top manager, is the intensification of the trade war between the U.S. and China. This could lead to "China's relaxation about possible secondary or direct sanctions from the U.S.," Bakhtiarov said.

"If Beijing realizes that the trade war has gone so far that they don't care - and this is quite possible in the coming months, judging by the rhetoric - then we may see on the market those Chinese brands that were afraid to come to Russia and are quite serious players in the world and in China. This is BYD, Lixiang, Zeekr and others who are afraid of secondary sanctions, and absolutely rightly do," - explained the expert.

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On February 11, the former head of AvtoVAZ Bo Andersson said that car brands from Europe, the United States, South Korea and Japan have not lost interest in the Russian car market and will eventually return. According to him, if some brands are absent for too long, they may lose their positions and cede them to competitors.