The company organized a closed meeting for former Russian dealers in Dubai. Toyota covered business-class flights and hotel accommodations and asked participants to sign a confidentiality agreement. The meeting took place from February 9 to 12.
Toyota’s management apologized to former dealers for halting deliveries and combating parallel imports, explaining that their actions were necessary. The company also expressed its intention to return to the Russian market once the situation stabilizes. The next meeting is scheduled for March 2025 to discuss further steps.
Toyota left the Russian automotive market in the fall of 2022, closing its plant in St. Petersburg and stopping vehicle imports. Hyundai Motor Group is considering purchasing its St. Petersburg plant by the end of 2025.
Kia and Suzuki may also resume supplies to Russia, with Suzuki already available through parallel imports. Renault could return as well, but the company would need to compensate for investments made in AvtoVAZ during its absence. German automakers are also interested in returning if sanctions are lifted. Meanwhile, the Federation Council suggested that Western automakers return only after their countries’ sanctions are lifted. Companies would have to operate as joint ventures with Russian partners and without previous incentives. Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, and Volvo cannot return under former conditions, as their previous plants have already been transferred to new owners. Their only option is to establish new production from scratch.
