Kia and Hyundai may lead return to Russian auto market
Kia and Hyundai may be the first foreign automakers to return to the Russian market if geopolitical tensions ease and sanctions are relaxed, according to analyst Sergey Tselikov of Avtostat. Other brands like Renault, Nissan, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are unlikely to return, while BMW continues to support dealers unofficially.
Consensus
- Kia and Hyundai may be the first foreign automotive brands to return to the Russian market.
- A return is contingent on normalization of geopolitical relations and easing of sanctions.
- Following Kia and Hyundai, Japanese brands such as Subaru, Mazda, and Toyota may return.
- Renault, Nissan, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are considered unlikely to return.
- BMW continues to maintain a local office and provides unofficial support to dealers in Russia.
- The return of foreign brands depends on the evolution of sanctions.
- Sales of Kia in Russia increased by 36% from January to July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
- Sales of the KX1 and K3 models in Russia are growing, with vehicles being supplied from China.
- The secondary market for electric vehicles in Russia grew significantly in July 2026, with a 188% increase compared to the previous year.
Points of divergence
- KGM is the only major Korean brand officially supplying new cars to Russia. — vedomosti
- The project to assemble Solaris cars from Hyundai and Kia parts at AGR Holding's facility in Sestroretsk was terminated, and production will not resume in 2026. — vedomosti
- Mazda's sales in Russia increased by 760% in the first half of 2026, reaching 11,700 units, despite a global sales decline of 5%. — vesti
- Renault and Nissan are among the brands that may not return at all. — vm
- Mercedes and Volkswagen have left the market practically irreversibly. — vm
- Hyundai's sales in Russia fell by 7% in the first seven months of 2026. — vedomosti
- KGM sales rose by 306% in the first seven months of 2016. — vedomosti
Coverage (5 sources)
- Tselykov: Korean Kia and Hyundai may be the first to return to the Russian car market — Вечерняя Москва
- Hyundai and Kia may be the first to return to the Russian car market — РИАМО
- Kia and Hyundai may be the first to return to the Russian car market when the geopolitical situation normalizes and sanctions are eased, z... — ТАСС (Telegram)
- «Avtostat»: Kia and Hyundai may be the first to return to Russia — Ведомости
- Expert told which foreign car brands may return to Russia — Вести