Russian car enthusiasts might have something to look forward to in the coming years. Several international car brands that left the country in 2022 due to geopolitical tensions could make a comeback by 2025. This prediction was shared by Yevgeny Zhitnukhin, head of the dealer division at Fresh, a prominent automotive company.
Zhitnukhin highlighted that brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Hyundai, BMW, Porsche, Suzuki, Peugeot-Citroen (which owns Opel), Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and even Rolls-Royce are among those likely to return. These companies retained their business assets in Russia, making their re-entry more feasible.
However, not all automakers will find it easy to return. Volkswagen and Nissan, for instance, face significant hurdles. When they exited the Russian market, they did not secure buyback options for their local production facilities. Without their own plants, restarting operations at a profitable scale will be difficult, especially given the rising recycling fees in Russia.
Interestingly, Toyota's potential return raises questions. Despite the company's cautious stance, experts believe it could re-enter the market. Additionally, 2025 might mark the debut of Iranian car brands in Russia, with plans for localized production. However, Russian consumers have yet to show significant interest in Iranian vehicles.
The return of these brands could revitalize Russia's automotive industry, offering consumers more choices and potentially boosting competition. However, the success of this re-entry will depend on various factors, including market conditions, consumer preferences, and the ability of these companies to adapt to the current economic landscape.
As the situation evolves, industry watchers will keep a close eye on developments, particularly how these brands navigate the challenges of re-establishing themselves in a market that has undergone significant changes since their departure.
