The expert explained the sharp increase in sales of German and Japanese cars in Russia

The high growth in registrations of new cars in Russia from German and Japanese brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Toyota and Mazda is explained by the effect of a low base and the fear that it will soon become much more difficult to purchase such cars. The director of the analytical agency Autostat told about this in his Telegram channel on April 9.

"At the beginning of last year, the concept of "waiting" was formed. In the wake of the start of negotiations with the United States, it seemed that global brands would return soon. At the same time, high rates contributed to the accumulation of potential buyers' money in banks. Now the "fog has lifted," and the profitability of deposits is systematically decreasing," explained Tselikov.

In addition, sales growth was influenced by new rules for calculating scrap collection, according to which, since December last year, individuals can import cars with an engine power of no more than 160 hp at discounted rates. According to the expert, this created a feeling among potential buyers that it would soon become even more expensive to buy a car of a familiar brand. At the same time, there are 15 times fewer drivers who chose Chinese cars in Russia than those who drive cars of "more familiar" brands.

According to the analyst, the growth in imports and sales of global brand cars will continue in the near future, but the dynamics will slow down compared to the same period last year.

Spring aggravation: the new car market has started to grow

Why did Russians start actively buying cars

As previously reported on this day, 2.5 times more new German cars were sold in Russia in the first quarter of 2026 than in the same period last year. In total, almost 12.5 thousand brand cars from Germany were sold in January-March, compared to 4,887 units in the quarter a year earlier.

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