Russian car market may fall to 2016 levels
In 2025, sales of new cars in Russia may decrease by 15% compared to the previous year. This is stated in the report of the Automobile Manufacturers Committee of the Association of European Businesses (AEB), which was received by Izvestia on January 13. Thus, the market volume may approach the figure of 2016.
According to AEB calculations, at the end of 2024, 1.47 million new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were sold in Russia, excluding alternative supply channels, which is 56% higher than the result of 2023. Including alternative supply channels, the market volume amounted to 1.65 million units, with growth of 46%, according to APC. At the same time, sales in 2016 amounted to 1.43 million units.
According to Alexei Kalitsev, Chairman of the Committee of Automobile Manufacturers, there was a rapid growth in sales at the beginning of 2024, and sales slowed down by the end of the year. This result was caused by pent-up demand, as well as buyers' reaction to potential import reductions and increased financial burden. At the same time, the share of local production showed no growth, while official imports increased.
"This year we can expect a correction of the market structure in the direction of active development of local production, as the key decisions have already been made and are being implemented. In this regard, if current conditions persist, the market in 2025 may decline to 1.4 million including all supply channels, i.e. by approximately 15%. Of particular importance to support the automotive industry will become programs to support demand from the state," - said Kalitsev.
Earlier in the day it became known that at the end of 2024 in Russia was realized 112 thousand new light commercial vehicles (LCV). This is 24.4% more than in the previous year. More than half (53.8%) of the market in this segment belongs to the domestic brand "GAZ" (60.3 thousand units).
Before that, January 10, it was reported that at the end of 2024 car sales in Russia were the best for the last five years.
