The expert called the Central Bank's rate cut a positive signal for the car market

The reduction of the key rate to 15% is another positive signal for the Russian car market, Konstantin Boldyrev, head of business development for B2C lending at Avito Avto, shared this opinion with Izvestia on March 20. Due to the high penetration of loans in the segment of new cars, this is a reason to consider buying a car against the background of the rising exchange rate of recent days, he believes.

"If this trend proves to be sustainable, consumers may consider buying a new car before the exchange rate dynamics lead to higher prices. At the same time, brands that have managed to localize production at factories in the Russian Federation will benefit the most — new products that have appeared in the last few months initially received very competitive retail prices, and manufacturers still provide subsidies on loans, making such a purchase doubly profitable," Boldyrev said.

In the segment of used cars on sale at dealers, the impact of the rate is traditionally more important, the specialist noted. Reducing the cost of funding gradually improves the capital burden on dealers and can support the expansion of supply. At the same time, the dynamics of loans is still significantly more strongly influenced by the requirements for borrowers and the level of approval, which depend on macroprudential requirements, the source explained.

"In general, there is a widespread opinion in the market that the level of about 15% is psychologically and economically comfortable for potential borrowers. However, in order for the rates on unsubsidized tariffs to approach these values, it is necessary to continue the downward trend. The current decision of the Central Bank is a step in this direction, which may contribute to the gradual revival of the car market," Boldyrev added.

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Daniil Shkurygin, Commercial Director of <url>, spoke with a polar opinion earlier that day. In his opinion, the reduction of the key rate from 15.5% to 15% per annum is unlikely to have a significant impact on the country's automotive market and car loans.

According to the forecast of the Central Bank, published on March 20, taking into account the monetary policy, annual inflation will decrease to 4.5-5.5% in 2026, and stable inflation will be near 4% in the second half of 2026. In 2027 and beyond, she will be on target.

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