Long-distance travel cars in high demand across Altai region
In the first half of 2025, the used car market in the Altai region experienced a 12% decrease in demand, according to data from the automotive portal "Drom.ru". This drop aligns with a broader national automotive downturn.
Economic and market pressures affecting Russia's automotive sector as a whole are primarily responsible for the decline. Falling sales, driven by high interest rates and increased competition from imported vehicles, have impacted the industry significantly. Russia's total sales of new vehicles saw a 28% year-on-year drop, and the overall market is projected to decline by 24-25% in 2025, as reported by The Moscow Times.
Local socio-economic tensions and political uncertainties in the Altai region may have contributed indirectly to reduced consumer confidence and purchasing power. Ongoing protests against land reforms, perceptions of corporate and oligarchic encroachment, fears over regional autonomy, and identity concerns create a climate of unrest that can dampen economic activity and consumer spending, including the used car market.
Despite the increase in the number of offers for used cars by more than 40% in the Altai region, the average cost of the cars did not rise. Most Russians are currently paying more attention to cheaper car classes in their car-buying decisions. The average cost of purchased used cars in the Altai region is now 777,000 rubles, which is lower than in previous years.
Interestingly, the top five most popular used car models in the Altai region are all Russian or Japanese brands, with Toyota Corolla being the most popular, followed by Lada 2107, Lada Niva, Lada 2106, and Toyota Camry in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
The decrease in demand for used cars in the Altai region may be indicative of a broader trend in the Russian used car market. Some Russians are postponing car purchases altogether due to the current economic climate. The rise of electric vehicle infrastructure, while not immediately offsetting the overall market decline, suggests a gradual shift in motoring preferences.
This news is reported by Vesti Altai. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and how the industry adapts.
- The decline in the used car market in the Altai region, as reported by Vesti Altai, can be linked to the broader economic pressures affecting Russia's finance sector, specifically the automotive industry.
- The ongoing political uncertainties in the Altai region and increased competition from imported vehicles, as well as high interest rates, are contributing to significant falls in new vehicle sales across Russia, including the transportation sector.
- Amidst these challenges, the lifestyle preference of many Russians is favoring cheaper car classes, potentially impacting both new and used car markets, with an average cost of purchased used cars in the Altai region currently at 777,000 rubles.
