The head of the ROAD called Korean car brands the first candidates to return to the Russian Federation

Korean car brands such as Hyundai and Kia want to return to the Russian market, which is why their offices are still operating in the country, only with a rather reduced number of employees. This opinion was shared by Alexey Podshchekoldin, President of the Association of Russian Automobile Dealers (ROAD).

Hyundai and Kia support the existence and repair of a fleet of cars in Russia. However, they do not return for the same reason that brands from China change the names of existing brands in the Russian Federation for fear of falling under sanctions. This could greatly affect the business of Hyundai and Kia, which have strong sales in China, the United States and Europe.

"They're looking around, but they'll be the first to come running. But the question is, when will they come running? When will the whole of Russia start assembling the "Chinese"? And then it will be absolutely not easy to return. They already understand this themselves, but they are still hoping. That is, there is a desire, but there are no opportunities yet, and you and I still do not see for sure that this will happen tomorrow," Rossiyskaya Gazeta quoted Podshchekoldin as saying on April 22.

Even if Korean brands decided to return to Russia, it would take them at least six months to certify cars, and about a year to form a dealer network, which is now dedicated to Chinese brands.

Deliveries of Korean passenger cars to the Russian Federation continue, but through alternative imports, while preferential recycling rates for individuals for cars with a capacity of up to 160 hp are in effect, Podshchekoldin noted. He added that Japanese brands will be the second in line to return to Russia after car brands from South Korea.

Dinosaur Rex: a Korean SUV has arrived in Russia

KGM Rexton Test Drive

In the first quarter of this year, 4,186 new passenger cars from South Korea were sold in Russia, which is 78% more than in the same period last year. As noted on April 17, the share of Korean brands in the country's car market increased from 1% to 1.6%. Most often, Russians registered new Kia cars.

Currently, one Korean brand is officially represented in Russia — KGM, which was previously called SsangYong. On April 16, she announced the launch of sales of a new version of the KGM Rexton full-size frame SUV.