Pickups have surged in popularity in Russia after changes to the recycling fee rules. The reason is the tax difference: with comparable characteristics, these cars are significantly cheaper than SUVs and crossovers.
As "Baza" found out, sellers of imported cars are actively using the peculiarities of transport classification. Most pickups are registered as category N1 trucks, and a lower recycling fee coefficient applies to them. The calculation formula is standard - the base rate multiplied by the coefficient - but the final amount is almost half that of passenger cars of similar power.
The difference is clearly visible in practice. For a RAM 1500 pickup, customs duties and the recycling fee total about 5.5 million rubles. A passenger car with similar characteristics would require about 8.4 million rubles, not counting the price of the car itself.
There are also limitations. The weight of the pickup should not exceed 3.5 tons, otherwise a category C license will be required. In addition, there are restrictions on entry into Moscow for trucks.
Despite this, demand is growing. Dealers are increasingly offering RAM 1500, Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux and Toyota Tundra - large and powerful cars that, under the current taxation rules, turn out to be more profitable than classic SUVs.
