Foreign cars are out; Russian motors are in.
That was the message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to officials Thursday during a meeting with the heads of manufacturing businesses, reported state-run news agency.
"Ministries, agencies, and the administration of affairs have asked to continue [purchases], to emphasize, in fact, foreign-made cars, to continue this practise," Putin said. "I said that this should be absolutely excluded and all officials of the country should drive domestic cars."
Russia’s car market has suffered in recent years, hurt under the weight of sanctions and international companies pulling out of the market. Carmakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan have all suspended work in Russia because of the Kremlin's war on Ukraine, leaving more space in the market for Russian brands.
Moving to driving domestic cars will be “more modest than before,” Putin admitted, but he said that it’s a good thing.
“All of our officials are wonderful, but they should realize that we should strive to develop domestic brands of cars and other domestic products,” Putin said.
Lada is Russia's most iconic car brand — though Putin himself has been spotted in the more luxurious Russian brand, Aurus, POLITICO reports.
