Car prices in Russia began to rise in early August of this year. The trend continued in September. According to a survey of dealers conducted by "Ъ", the increase in cost averaged from 4% to 20% in some categories. Many manufacturers have not yet fully passed on the new costs to consumers, maintaining discount programs and promotions.
Car prices in Russia continue their upward trend, which began in August. According to experts, it will continue in the near future. This situation was triggered by the weakening of the ruble, as well as the increase in the utilization fee from August 1.
Even domestic car brands such as Lada and UAZ were no exception. They also subjected certain models to price increases of 1.4-11%. "Moskvich" decided that it was necessary to raise the cost of its crossovers immediately from August 1, and the increase was significant - the prices of "Moskvich 3" and "Moskvich 3E" increased by hundreds of thousands of rubles.
Some brands, including Haval, raised prices twice in August.
September also brought updates to the price lists of many car brands. For example, Jetour cars rose in price by 50 thousand rubles in August and by the same amount in September. Chery raised prices on eight models. Lada did not stand aside, increasing the price tag on some Granta configurations and auto parts.
Experts predict that the increase in car prices will continue in September and October. Andrey Olkhovsky, General Director of Avtodom, notes that although the utilization fee is already included in pricing, importers will gradually compensate for new costs, trying to minimize the impact on sales and profitability.
The situation with rising prices also depends on the yuan exchange rate and the actions of the importers' financial service.
Those who hedged the yuan were able to maintain prices and may still be able to hold them now. The price situation is determined by the competence of the importer's financial service
All these factors, including the increase in the utilization fee and the volatility of the ruble exchange rate, have not yet fully affected the cost of new cars.
The current price list has not recouped the difference in exchange rates, as well as the new utilization fee rate. Price increases will continue.
Prices for cars with engines ranging from 2 to 3.5 liters, imported through parallel imports, have increased by 20%.
Despite the price increase, special offers and promotions continue to operate in the car market. Representatives of Chery noted that they have a "Direct Discount" program, which can be considered as a marketing strategy. At the same time, it is possible to quickly cancel this program in case of sudden instability in the market.
Some Chinese brands have decided to halve the amount of compensation provided to dealers in order to curb the indicative price increase. This will also lead to a decrease in the size of discounts provided by dealers.
Experts also note that in the context of high demand and competition in the car market, brands are pursuing a cautious policy, introducing small price adjustments and offering discounts. In their opinion, a gradual increase in prices will continue, and in the event of any instability, for example, with supplies, some brands may abandon their support programs.
The increase in the utilization fee rate was initiated by domestic automakers (including KamAZ and AvtoVAZ), and the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the utilization fee rates, which have increased several times, will protect buyers from resellers who do not provide the proper level of warranty and service.
