Russians were given more than 200 thousand car loans per quarter

According to the results of the first quarter of this year, 206.7 thousand loans for new and used cars were issued in Russia. Compared to January-February of last year, the indicator decreased by 1.1%. This was announced on April 16 by the National Bureau of Credit Histories (NBKI).

In March, 86.9 thousand car loans were issued, an increase of 10.4% compared to the first month of last year, and 36% by February of this year. The NBKI noted that, in general, the issuance of car loans remains at a low level, despite the growth. Demand for such loans is low due to the recent increase in recycling, high interest rates, and a general increase in car prices.

In addition, as noted by Alexey Volkov, NBKI Marketing Director, risk appetite on the part of banks is at a low level against the background of the regulator's tight monetary policy to cool the credit market. Banks are increasing the requirements for citizens' credit histories, reducing the risks of delays in the future, he said.

Thus, according to the bureau, the share of refusals for car loan applications in March 2026 was 78.3%. Compared to March last year, the indicator decreased by 6.8 percentage points (percentage points), and compared to the previous month — by 3 percentage points. The share of refusals is at a high level, and reducing the key rate to the current level is not yet enough to return most borrowers of good credit quality to the car loan market, the NBKI emphasized.

Spring aggravation: the new car market has started to grow

Why did Russians start actively buying cars

Earlier in the day, it was reported that from April 1 to April 15 of this year, prices for new cars in Russia have changed for eight brands officially represented on the market. Six brands have increased in price, one has become cheaper, and another has experienced a multidirectional price change.