Russian Industry and Trade Ministry intends to expand list of cars for taxis with Haval, Tenet, Avtotor models
MOSCOW. Oct 2 (Interfax) - It is planned that cars from major Russian manufacturers whose products were not included in the first version of the list of brands recommended for taxi work will be added to this list before the requirements for localizing taxi cars come into force on March 1, 2026, a representative of the Industry and Trade Ministry told journalists on Thursday.
The day before, the ministry published a list of automobiles subject to the localization requirements of the taxi law, which included only 20 models from six brands: Lada (Granta, Iskra, Vesta, Aura, Largus, Niva Legend, Niva Travel), UAZ (Patriot, Hunter), Sollers (SP7), Evolute (I-Pro, I-Joy, I-Sky, I-Jet, I-Space), Voyah (Free, Dream, Passion) and Moskvich (3, 3e, 6, 8) - that is, sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and seven-seater models. Some of these cars have internal combustion engines, and there are also series hybrids and electric vehicles.
The current list therefore contains, on the one hand, certain models that are not widely used specifically as taxi cars, and on the other it does not contain some cars that are produced in Russia in significant amounts and could, among others, be used for taxi transportation.
"The presented list is the first edition. It is planned that it will be expanded before March 1, 2026, including with models from the Haval and Tenet brands, as well as cars produced at Avtotor. We are working on this jointly with automakers," the ministry representative told journalists on Thursday.
The final list of automobiles for taxi work will be formed closer to March 1, 2026, when the corresponding requirements for localizing taxi cars come into force, the source said. "The list will also be supplemented upon automakers fulfilling the conditions for localization and SICs [special investment contracts]," the representative said.
The bill on taxi localization does not apply to services for renting cars with drivers, the Industry and Trade Ministry said. The changes will not affect cars that are already working as taxis - such vehicles will continue to operate without restrictions until the end of their life cycle.
"Cars of various classes are produced in Russia, which given the expected expansion of the list, covers the needs for the most popular tariff plans of taxi ordering services," the ministry said.
