Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Khristenko explained that by the end of the year, an additional 100,000 cars will be added to the already 500,000 vehicles, which will be available to replace the old fleet. "We are absolutely confident that this measure will make it possible to balance natural market growth, so that not only consumers – Russian citizens – but also manufacturers – Russian automakers – are able to expand their production programme," said Khristenko.
The scrappage programme has also spurred additional imports. According to the Federal Customs Service, in January and February imports of passenger cars in Russia increased by 2.2 times compared with the same period last year, totaling 107,000 cars worth $1.8 billion.