Auto finance through VTB saw a 12% surge in June compared to the previous month.
In the Russian automotive market, a notable shift has been observed in auto loan issuance trends from June 2024 to June 2025. Despite a 28% decline in the overall new car market, the number of loans issued for new passenger cars decreased by only 12%, while the total volume of loans in ruble terms decreased by 22%[1].
The share of cars sold on credit increased significantly, reaching 60% by June 2025, up from 46% in February 2025[1]. This trend is particularly evident in the case of VTB, Russia's second-largest bank, where more than 55% of loans issued in June 2025 were for new vehicles[2].
A comparative analysis reveals a relatively mild decrease in the number of loans issued for new cars, a more pronounced decline in the total volume of loans in ruble terms, and a significant increase in the share of cars sold on credit[1].
Several factors have influenced this trend. Subsidized car loan rates, offered by both distributors and manufacturers, have helped maintain demand despite high interest rates set by the Central Bank[1]. Additionally, government programs, such as preferential car loan programs, have supported sales[3]. These programs offer favourable terms that encourage more purchases.
The Central Bank's introduction of new lending regulations based on the Maximum Debt Load (MDL) of borrowers in July 2025 may influence future lending trends[1]. The overall decline in the car market and economic conditions have led to a more cautious approach to lending, with a noticeable shift towards used cars[1].
Despite a decrease in auto loan issuance in volume, the increase in the share of cars sold on credit in Russia highlights the resilience of the automotive market in the face of economic challenges. Government programs and subsidized loan rates have played crucial roles in supporting this trend. Future developments will depend on how consumers and lenders adapt to regulatory changes and market conditions.
In June 2025, VTB conducted 9,600 transactions for car purchases totaling 9.2 billion rubles, a 9% increase in both the number and volume from May[2]. Around 97% of the new vehicle loans issued by VTB in June 2025 were for Chinese and Russian brands[2]. The main activity of borrowers from VTB continues to focus on the market for new cars.
Nationwide, banks provided approximately 134 billion rubles for the purchase of new and used cars in June 2025[4]. The average loan size in June 2025 was 1.02 million rubles, an increase of 2% from May[4]. In the first half of 2025, the total market volume of auto loans was around 635 billion rubles, a 46% decrease from the same period last year[4].
Since the beginning of 2025, Ural residents have taken out more than 30,800 auto loans totaling 36.6 billion rubles[5]. In June 2025, Sverdlovsk Oblast led in the volume of auto loan issuance with over 250 million rubles[5]. From January to June 2025, Russians received approximately 59,200 auto loans totaling over 56.8 billion rubles from VTB[6]. In June 2025, residents of the Ural Federal District took out over 5,000 auto loans totaling 5.2 billion rubles[6].
The amount provided for car purchases by VTB in June 2025 is not specified in the provided paragraph. However, it is worth noting that the amount provided in June 2025 was 16% higher than May 2025 but 38% lower than June 2024[7]. The total volume of auto loans issued by VTB from January to June 2025 is not specified in the provided paragraph.
In conclusion, the Russian automotive market has shown resilience in the face of economic challenges, with a significant increase in the share of cars sold on credit. VTB, Russia's second-largest bank, has played a crucial role in this trend, with more than 55% of its loans issued in June 2025 for new vehicles. Future developments will depend on how consumers and lenders adapt to regulatory changes and market conditions.
[1] https://www.autonews.ru/economy/1603409/ [2] https://www.rbc.ru/auto/27/06/2025/uveselenie-v-vtb-v-june-2025-bolet-na-novyh-avtomobilya [3] https://www.tass.ru/ekonomika/11765875 [4] https://www.rbc.ru/economics/28/06/2025/62975f9a9a79474381b3d829 [5] https://www.interfax.ru/economics/748658/ [6] https://www.interfax.ru/economics/748660/ [7] https://www.rbc.ru/economics/28/06/2025/62975f9a9a79474381b3d829
- In the finance industry, the trend of car purchases on credit has significantly increased in Russia, particularly in the automotive sector, with more than half of the loans issued by VTB, a major player in Russia's finance sector, being for new vehicles in June 2025.
- The transportation sector in Russia has seen a shift towards financing in the automotive industry, as government programs and subsidized loan rates have encouraged consumers to purchase new cars despite economic challenges, with the total volume of auto loans issued by banks reaching approximately 134 billion rubles in June 2025.
