Autostat.- Subsequent to the increase in the recommended retail prices, which is applied by car manufacturers in the Russian market over the recent months, the expansion of the list of automobiles falling into the luxury tax category has become inevitable.
A price bar has been set by the Federal Tax Service for transport tax: all vehicles over the price tag of 3 million rubles will be subject to the increased coefficient. Up to recent times, amongst the new vehicles officially sold in Russia, more or less a minimum number of 150 models were subject to the aforementioned tax.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce follows the tradition of reviewing the list of automobiles in March. Mercedes-Benz GLA is now an obvious candidate for this luxury tax list. The cost of the basic version of the model was below 3 million rubles until December, however, the current prices start from 3.1 million rubles. Jaguar E-Pace crossover went through a similar experience in November, following a 102,000 rubles price rise. As a result, the price of the basic version of the automobile has jumped to 3.003 million rubles.
Interestingly, the expansion of the list of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will not be limited to the premium brands. The mass segment vehicles will also exceed the price threshold in their top-end trim levels, subjecting their future owners to an annual financial burden in the form of the luxury tax. For example, Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux will almost definitely be included in the list in spring. Although the basic versions of these models remained below the price bar after the rise in November, the prices of the more elaborate versions reached 3,492,500 rubles (Fortuner) and 3,269,000 rubles (Hilux). Models such as; Nissan Murano and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will share the same fate, amongst other vehicles.
