In Russia, the demand for pickups has increased sharply, and the main reason for this is the favorable calculation of the recycling fee. Many buyers have consciously begun to abandon the usual compact SUVs in favor of models classified as category N1 cargo vehicles. This status allows for a significant reduction in the tax burden when importing and registering a car.
The difference in the recycling fee between a pickup and an SUV with similar characteristics can reach several million rubles. For example, for a RAM 1500 pickup truck, registered as a truck, you will have to pay about 5.5 million rubles, while for a comparable SUV in terms of equipment and power, it will be about 8.4 million rubles.
Among the most popular models are RAM 1500, Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Tundra. All of them, subject to certain technical conditions, can be registered as category N1 trucks, which opens access to preferential taxation.
However, there are important nuances. In order for the car to remain in category N1, its gross weight must not exceed 3.5 tons. Otherwise, the owner will need a "C" category license, and there may also be restrictions on operation — in particular, such cars are prohibited from moving in the center of Moscow.