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From purchase to ownership: what car buyers expect

May 2025

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B1 Group conducted a survey of more than 2,000 motorists in Russia and Belarus to uncover current trends in the purchase of new and used vehicles and gain insight into consumer perceptions of automotive innovations.

In addition to our regular questions on car selection, car servicing and EVs – aimed at tracking shifts in preferences and needs – we also delved into several new topics this year, including perceptions of Chinese car brands, service satisfaction based on a vehicle’s country of origin, the impact of rising prices on purchasing decisions, and legal controversies over car ownership and usage.

KEY FINDINGS

Rising prices push car purchases on hold. Fewer than one in three respondents can afford to buy a car without borrowing. As prices climb, more people are postponing their next car purchase. If prices go up by a third or more, most buyers will delay their purchase indefinitely.

Russian drivers are shifting to Chinese brands. The share of motorists considering the purchase of Chinese car brands continues to grow. When selecting a brand, respondents are placing more emphasis on the quality of after-sales service.

Authorized dealer services are gaining traction. Respondents are increasingly opting for services from authorized dealers. Around two-thirds of drivers report challenges when ordering spare parts. Owners of Chinese car brands are more likely to have their vehicles serviced at authorized dealers.

EV driving experience remains limited but is growing. The lack of charging infrastructure remains a major challenge, prompting most EV owners to charge at home. Roughly a third of Russian drivers surveyed are still not ready to switch to electric vehicles.

Nearly half are open to buying a car online. When buying a new car, the most popular online tools are price calculators and test drive bookings. For used cars, online services that provide vehicle history and condition reports are in high demand.

Rental transport is on the rise in Russia. The share of respondents renting cars, scooters and bikes has increased. Price and the flexibility to drop off rentals anywhere have become increasingly important factors.

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AUTHORS

Andrey Tomyshev

Andrey Tomyshev

B1 Partner

Head of Strategy Consulting, Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Leader – Consulting, Technology and Transactions

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Vasily Illyuviev

Vasily Illyuviev

B1 Partner

Consulting, Technology and Transactions

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Alexey Lavrukhin

Alexey Lavrukhin

Knowledge Leader

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