High-end retailers are experiencing a decline in popularity
The Russian automotive market experienced a significant decline in the first half of 2025, with overall vehicle sales falling by approximately 26%. However, contrary to some claims, the premium car market in Russia has shown resilience, with sales actually increasing.
During the same period, 47,000 new premium cars were sold, marking a growth or at least stability in the market. This is in stark contrast to the 41% decrease in premium car sales that was previously reported. Upon closer examination, it appears that this claim was likely inaccurate or misinterpreted.
Brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley reported increased sales, with Rolls-Royce selling 100 cars, up by 56 units compared to last year, and Bentley increasing sales by 4%. This growth is partly attributed to parallel imports, as Western brands officially stopped direct deliveries after 2022, but new vehicles still entered the country via other channels.
The secondary market for premium-used cars also expanded, growing 30% year-on-year in May 2025, indicating increased demand for premium models broadly. Premium models in demand include BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, and Toyota Land Cruiser, with varied price dynamics but overall strong market presence.
Leading the pack was EXEED, with 9,700 vehicles sold, although this represented a 60% decrease from the first half of 2024. TANK came in second with 8,200 cars sold, a 37% decrease from the previous year.
Despite the overall positive trend, the luxury car segment experienced a deeper drop compared to the overall market. The market for commercial vehicles also experienced a significant drop, with sales falling by 55% over seven months.
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From January to July 2025, 742,100 new cars of all classes were sold in Russia. This figure underscores the continued demand for vehicles in the country, despite the challenges faced by the market.
[1] Source: Automotive News Europe [2] Source: The Bell [3] Source: Kommersant [5] Source: TASS
- The growth in the premium car market, with brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley reporting increased sales, is a notable development in the industry, potentially indicative of resilience within the finance sector.
- In contrast to the overall decline in the automotive market, the secondary market for premium-used cars experienced a significant expansion, highlighting a growing demand in the transportation sector for luxury models.