Russian Officials Restricted to Russian Cars (Alongside Chinese)

A document from Russia, seen by Reuters, which outlines the cars that state officials should purchase, primarily features Russian car brands like Lada and Moskvitch. However, the list of approved vehicles includes Chinese brands, indicating that Russia’s trade relations with China are still intact.

On Friday, the Industry and Trade Ministry stated that the car list is composed of vehicles recommended for priority use by state and municipal employees for official purposes, following an instruction from President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian cars that are permitted to be used were complied and distributed to official office. Listed include five models from Lada, produced by Avtovaz (Russia’s largest carmaker), as well as UAZ, Aurus, and Moskvich brands, alongside Evolute electric cars.

The Moskvich, which is a resurrected Soviet-era car, exemplifies China’s increasing influence over Russia’s car industry. According to Reuters’ sources, the Moskvich 3 model is a JAC Sehol X4 assembled in Moscow using kits purchased from a Chinese partner.

The list also includes five models from Chinese carmaker Haval, which has been producing cars at its plant in the Tula region, 200 kilometers from Moscow, since 2019.