Kremlin Open to the Return of Foreign Auto Manufacturers – "Russia would welcome back foreign car makers"
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman, has stated that the reintroduction of foreign automotive brands would be beneficial for Russian consumers. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Russian government is open to the idea of foreign auto manufacturers returning to the country after their departure due to sanctions, as this would foster competition, enhance quality, and lower prices for consumers, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday. His remarks followed a report suggesting Japan might reconsider restrictions on car sales to Russia.
During a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov described such a move as “pragmatic.”
“Many countries that impose restrictions later pursue their own interests and issue licenses to exclude [certain items] from the lists. This is a very easy thing to do. It’s all very cynical and pragmatic – they do whatever is profitable,” he explained.
Following the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Japan joined other G7 nations in implementing economic and trade sanctions against Russia. As a result, leading Japanese automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki halted exports and ceased production in Russia. Data from the analytical agency Avtostat indicated that the presence of Japanese cars in the Russian market plummeted from 18% to 6% in 2022.
In July 2023, Japan imposed a ban on the export of new and used electric and hybrid vehicles to Russia, as well as cars equipped with combustion engines exceeding 1.9 liters.
Recently, business daily RBK reported that the Japanese trade restrictions were being “reinterpreted,” allowing Russian buyers to purchase “mild hybrids” at auctions. The export ban was reportedly lifted on vehicles like the Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift, and several models from Mazda and Mitsubishi.
A representative from a Russian export company stated that while sanctions remain in place, Japanese brokers and exporters, facing declining sales, have found a loophole in the restrictions.
Additionally, Japanese television outlet Asahi corroborated this information in a report, citing local car dealers who are seeking ways to revive business, and mentioning that exporters are exploring loopholes to maintain trade.
In September, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, remarked that Japan had effectively lost the Russian car market for the foreseeable future and suggested that Tokyo's attempts to isolate Moscow had backfired.
During the interview on Wednesday, Peskov highlighted that if foreign automakers re-enter the Russian market, it would foster competition with domestic and Chinese companies, ultimately providing Russian consumers with improved quality products at lower prices.
Japanese car brands have been particularly well received in Russia, notably in the used car market. According to Avtostat, as of July 1 this year, 33.3% of all vehicles in Russia were Japanese.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov described such a move as “pragmatic.”
“Many countries that impose restrictions later pursue their own interests and issue licenses to exclude [certain items] from the lists. This is a very easy thing to do. It’s all very cynical and pragmatic – they do whatever is profitable,” he explained.
Following the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Japan joined other G7 nations in implementing economic and trade sanctions against Russia. As a result, leading Japanese automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki halted exports and ceased production in Russia. Data from the analytical agency Avtostat indicated that the presence of Japanese cars in the Russian market plummeted from 18% to 6% in 2022.
In July 2023, Japan imposed a ban on the export of new and used electric and hybrid vehicles to Russia, as well as cars equipped with combustion engines exceeding 1.9 liters.
Recently, business daily RBK reported that the Japanese trade restrictions were being “reinterpreted,” allowing Russian buyers to purchase “mild hybrids” at auctions. The export ban was reportedly lifted on vehicles like the Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift, and several models from Mazda and Mitsubishi.
A representative from a Russian export company stated that while sanctions remain in place, Japanese brokers and exporters, facing declining sales, have found a loophole in the restrictions.
Additionally, Japanese television outlet Asahi corroborated this information in a report, citing local car dealers who are seeking ways to revive business, and mentioning that exporters are exploring loopholes to maintain trade.
In September, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, remarked that Japan had effectively lost the Russian car market for the foreseeable future and suggested that Tokyo's attempts to isolate Moscow had backfired.
During the interview on Wednesday, Peskov highlighted that if foreign automakers re-enter the Russian market, it would foster competition with domestic and Chinese companies, ultimately providing Russian consumers with improved quality products at lower prices.
Japanese car brands have been particularly well received in Russia, notably in the used car market. According to Avtostat, as of July 1 this year, 33.3% of all vehicles in Russia were Japanese.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
