Russian Government Moves Ahead With Revived Cash For Clunkers Program

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

A few days ago, we reported the Russian government was considering bringing back its cash for clunkers program to help spur domestic auto sales in the face of Western sanctions. The government as since decided to go forward with the scheme.

Reuters reports the Kremlin will pledge P10 billion ($273 million USD) for the program, which is expected to subsidize over 170,000 new vehicles at a minimum discount of P40,000 ($1,086) for scrapping a passenger car, and P350,000 ($9,506) on up for commercial vehicles. Additional discounts from P40,000 to P300,000 ($1,086 – $8,148) will be made to consumers who trade-in vehicles six years of age or older.

The new program begins September 1, and will run through to the end of the year. A decision to revive the program in 2015 will be made no earlier than the middle of September of that year, according to Industry Minister Denis Manturov, and will be based on market conditions at that point in time.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Gtem Gtem on Aug 29, 2014

    My dad's friend had a 1979 Lada 2103 like in the photo, except in a mustard yellow with a purple/red vinyl interior. Compared to the 1990s-2000s productions, the Soviet cars have pretty impressive build quality. Good chrome plating, sturdy plastics. When he wore that car out, the 1990s era 2106 that replaced it (also quad headlights) received the old car's headrest-less vinyl buckets. These things are a hoot to drive. Manual steering, very precise gearshift. RWD and very light weight. Long travel suspension is great for rally-wannabes tearing around on the endless dirt roads that Russia has to offer.

  • Whatnext Whatnext on Aug 29, 2014

    The Russian economy is the ultimate clunker. How much are they offering for that?

  • Fincar1 Fincar1 on Aug 29, 2014

    The Lada in the photo has a Finland license plate, not Russia...if anyone cares.

  • JimC2 JimC2 on Aug 30, 2014

    "In Soviet Russia, clunkers cash YOU!"

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