To get and overtake: demand for delivery of cars from abroad increased by 22%
In the spring of this year, cars began to be driven from abroad more often, market participants told Izvestia. Interest in the service has grown by almost a quarter, and the search for drivers has increased by a third. Those wishing to bring a car from abroad are interested in both Asian and European brands. In most cases, used cars are now being purchased in this way. Demand for cars abroad was stimulated by the depreciation of the dollar, which made such transactions more profitable, experts noted. Also, according to them, the growth of such interest is influenced by the imminent tightening of the rules for the payment of recycling fees.
Which cars are bought abroad
Since the beginning of spring 2025, interest in the international delivery of cars has grown, the services told Izvestia. Thus, the demand for car transportation from abroad increased by 22% in March, according to Avito Services data. In addition, they began to look for hauling drivers a third more often. They are required to deliver the car, including from one city to another. The demand for transportation of cars by car carriers between cities increased by 13% in a month.
The growth of interest in the service was confirmed to Izvestia by market participants. Against the background of declining sales of new cars, the used car market is growing, explained Evgeny Zhitnukhin, commercial director of the FRESH automotive marketplace.
— Car delivery from abroad plays an important role in this situation. Customers choose this car purchase option for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a larger assortment. Secondly, there are brands that are familiar to Russians. Third, the cost," he said.
Now, according to him, brands that have left Russia, such as Toyota, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are very popular when imported from other countries.
— It is worth noting that sometimes it is more profitable to order a European brand car from China than to buy a car in Russia. Many auto giants have long since transferred part of their production facilities to China. For example, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW. Their models are assembled locally and at the same time are noticeably cheaper than in Europe," the expert said.
So, according to him, electrocreaser BMW iX3, which are harvested for the world market only in China can be delivered to Russia by 15-20% cheaper than in Germany.
— Now cars are most often brought "to order", this gives a guarantee to the carrier company that the imported car will be sold. This minimizes the risks for the seller," Evgeny Zhitnukhin added.
Buyers are attracted by a large selection, more loyal prices, confirmed mileage and a transparent history, Izvestia found on the websites of companies offering services for importing cars from abroad to Russia. So, they offer to bring a Kia with a mileage of 50 thousand km from South Korea for an amount starting from 2.3 million rubles.
The service of transporting a car from abroad remains almost the only driver of the entire car market, according to the chief executive officer of the project. Likvi.com and the CEO of Migtorg, Alexander Korotkov. Among the countries that remain popular markets for delivering cars to Russia, he also named Japan.
— According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance, passenger car exports to Russia increased by 45.8% year-on-year in October 2024. This is an obvious indicator of the demand for imported cars from abroad," the expert noted.
According to him, the reason is that Japanese cars often cost 25-30% less than their counterparts, and in some segments the difference reaches 35%.
— It is also important that the Japanese are very meticulous, most of the cars are brought without operation in Russia, with an honest odometer and in a fresh technical condition, which is rare in the domestic secondary market, — he stressed.
Why has the interest in car delivery increased?
Experts believe that interest in international car delivery has grown against the background of the strengthening of the ruble and the falling dollar. So, on April 21, the dollar-ruble exchange rate dropped below 79 rubles for the first time since the spring of 2023. The fall in the exchange rate led to lower prices, experts noted.
Foreign cars have become cheaper in currency terms, while the demand for affordable offers has increased, said the owner of the Alliance Trucks network of commercial vehicle dealerships.
"In addition, the domestic market is experiencing a shortage of some models and spare parts, which additionally stimulates interest in importing used cars," he said.
According to him, buying cars abroad is more profitable in most cases, especially when it comes to mass-produced models with mileage and good equipment.
— Even taking into account the costs of transportation and paperwork, many cars are cheaper than similar ones on the domestic market. Cars for personal use in the regions and cars for disassembly for spare parts are especially actively being bought," he stressed.
Due to the introduction of a recycling fee, which must be paid when vehicles are imported into Russia, the total cost of the imported car increases, the expert added.
— But cars are still actively being bought: the need for transport remains, there are few new cars, and their prices are high. Used cars remain a more affordable option. The recycling fee is perceived as a necessary, but not a critical part of the costs that they are willing to pay in order to get the right car," he believes.
The popularity of well-known and proven cars will not be affected by the new recycling rules, they will begin to operate on May 1, 2025, Evgeny Zhitnukhin added. The base rate will no longer be linked to the purchase price abroad, but to the average market value in Russia.
The cost of cars may increase by 20-25%, Alexander Korotkov believes.
"Therefore, in March and April, before the increase in recycling, there was a short—term surge in demand," he said.
According to the plans, the changed calculation procedure for foreign cars from the EAEU countries should close all loopholes for inexpensive "customs clearance" of cars, Evgeny Zhitnukhin believes.
— At the same time, if cars are imported for personal use and do not plan to be sold during the year, recycling will be considered at a reduced rate, — he noted. — In addition, a number of BMW, Chevrolet and Audi models are likely not to fall under the new recycling format. And, most likely, their popularity will increase significantly.
Sales of used cars have a pronounced seasonality, Avito Auto added. In spring, the demand in the secondary car market is always higher, since the purchase of a car is often postponed for the warm season. In March of this year, users of the platform became 9% more interested in used cars than in February. Kia, Hyundai and Toyota were especially often searched for.
What risks do buyers have?
Buying a car abroad has certain risks, experts recalled.
— For example, the use of a fraud scheme has become more frequent, in which intermediaries pay the basic minimum recycling fee for individuals, and then the buyer has to pay extra at a commercial rate when reselling, — said Alexander Korotkov.
Sometimes, according to him, intruders buy passport data and INN information from citizens in order to import cars using front persons.
— Supervisory authorities often do not control the activities of counterparties. So, we have repeatedly come across incorrect documentation provided to the client when buying a car from an auction. Often, instead of the act of evaluating their lot, they are sent a damage report on a similar, but wrong car," he explained.
It is important for those wishing to import a car from abroad to study the customs rules themselves in order to know exactly what duties, taxes and fees they will have to pay, lawyer Zara Gorbushina added. She called for paying attention to the correctness of the paperwork for the purchase and customs clearance.
— Make sure that the vehicle meets the technical requirements of your country. This may include checking compliance with emission standards, safety requirements, and other technical standards," she recommended.
Also, according to the expert, it is important to clarify the rules of car insurance after purchase.
— Some companies may refuse insurance or set high rates due to the age or condition of the car. Check what documents and procedures are required to register a car in your country after it is imported. Different countries may have their own requirements for vehicle certification and registration," the lawyer reminded.
She called for making sure that buying a car does not violate international treaties and agreements, such as sanctions or restrictions on the import of certain models or brands of cars. It would not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing the rights of consumers when purchasing goods from abroad, including the possibility of returning or exchanging goods in case of defects. When buying a car abroad, it is better to enlist the help of a lawyer or a customs specialist, Zara Gorbushina concluded.
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