The Russian auto dealers association (RoAD) has urged the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to prohibit car manufacturers and distributors from making direct online sales to end consumers.
FAS is drafting a national plan for developing competition in 2026-2030 that provides for an increase in direct online sales to 5% of the total volume by the end of 2026. RoAD wants the provision removed citing the need to protect consumer rights and maintain competition in the market.
According to the association, dealers have the infrastructure for repairing and servicing cars, which manufacturers and distributors often do not have. Direct sales, according to RoAD, can lead to infringement of the interests of car dealerships, including the imposition of unfavorable conditions, supply of illiquid models, price fixing or division of the market.
As a compromise, RoAD proposes to extend the rule on 5% of online sales to all market participants, including dealers, in order to dafeguardtheir role in the sales chain. AvtoVAZ, the maker of the ubiquitous Lada, has already sold 6500 cars either directly or via marketplaces, leaving dealers high and dry.
