The smallest compact "C-Max" in the family of Ford minivans has undergone a slight restyling. FROM technical point the view of the car remains the same, only its appearance has changed. From now on "C-Max" is fully consistent with the new corporate style of the European division of "Ford" - "Kinetic Design", set by the "S-Max" and "Mondeo" models.
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Comparative test 02 May 2007 A practical choice (Chevrolet Rezzo, Citroen Xsara Picasso, Ford focus C-Max, Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse, Opel Zafira, Renault Scenic-Grand Scenic, Skoda Roomster, Toyota Corolla Verso, Volkswagen Touran) Compact vans occupy no more space on the road than golf-class models (4.2-4.5 m), but due to the high body they are much more spacious. And if you remember about the possibility of transforming the cabin, it becomes clear: compact vans are the most practical cars small format. In total, there are nine models of this class on our market.
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Convenient and practical (Ford Focus C-Max, Opel Zafira, VW Touran) 
Secondary market
The world's first minivan on a golf-class car platform was released in 1995. Compact “ Renault Megane Scenic ”possessed all the advantages of subcompact models, but was more comfortable and practical due to the high roof and more comfortable interior. Then new items of this kind appeared at other automakers. Among german concerns the pioneer was “Opel”, which from the beginning of 1999 launched its “Zafira” into a series. Four years later, similar models appeared in the production program of Ford and VW. Compact vans from Germany are serious players in this class. In addition to the advantages inherent in all minivans, they are famous for their traditional quality and high quality. And the prestige of German brands plays an important role ..
For practical citizens (Citroen Xsara Picasso, Ford C-Max, Honda FR-V, Hyundai Matrix, Mercedes-Benz B-klasse, Opel Zafira, Renault Scenic, Toyota Corolla Verso, Volkswagen Touran)
Comparative test The micro minivan sector was opened ten years ago with the Renault Scenic, which instantly became a European bestseller. Soon, almost all car manufacturers in the world began to produce cars of this type, and the market niche of microminivans increased significantly ... At first, Russians were reluctant to buy vans created on the basis of golf-class models. However, the situation has changed. Now such machines occupy a significant share in the total sales. It is not without reason that automobile companies are bringing more and more microminivans to our market.
In the life of every man, there comes a period when children appear, and emotions with testosterone must give way to reason. As a rule, all this leads to one decision - to buy a station wagon or MPV. Fortunately, not all of these cars are boring and unpleasant to drive. One of the most unique compact vans is the Ford C-Max. Its design may not be as attractive as the larger Ford S-Max, and more closely resembles a slightly larger Ford Focus II. But after a long conversation with the car, he undoubtedly begins to like him.
Model history.
The first generation Ford C-Max debuted in 2003. It was the first of its kind in the brand's range. Two years later, the compact MPV received several new engines, and in 2007 the model underwent a slight restyling. In 2010, the last copy of the S-Max of the first generation left the assembly line, giving way to a successor.
Engines.
Gasoline:
R4 1.6 16V (100 hp)
R4 1,8 16V (120 - 125 HP)
R4 2,0 \u200b\u200b16V (145 hp)
Diesel:
R4 1.6 8V TDCi (90 - 109 HP)
R4 1.8 8V TDCi (115 hp)
R4 2.0 8V TDCi (110 HP)
R4 2.0 16V TDCi (136 HP)
All gasoline units are quite reliable and durable. The best recommendation is the 2-liter 145 hp engine. He is able to deliver greatest pleasure from driving.
There are also offers for diesel lovers on the market, although not numerous. In the general list possible problems number one of such engines is not a very hardy dual-mass flywheel. Its resource is slightly more than 150,000 km, and it changes along with the clutch kit. Everything will cost about $ 600.
The preferred option is the 2.0 TDCi, which provides good dynamics and a high level of reliability. Avoid copies with 1.6 TDCi - there are turbocharger malfunctions (due to design flaw lubrication system) and oil leaks. Both diesel engines were developed in cooperation with PSA. A common disadvantage is an exhaust gas cleaning system and a particulate filter.
The list of proposals also includes 1.8 TDCi of its own design. Against the background of French diesel engines, he looks like a pensioner - even the block head is cast from cast iron. The dynamics of a car with such an engine is slightly better than the base diesel version with 1.6 TDCi. The reason is in program management, the main goal of which is environmental concern. Among typical malfunctions one can highlight problems with the injection system, cracking of the rubber elements of the inlet channel and regular oil leaks (from under the timing chain cover and the connections of the upper and lower parts of the block). However, the 1.8 TDCi has a durable combined timing drive (eternal chain + short belt) and a robust turbocharger.
Design features.
The model was based on a completely new platform, which was later used to create the Ford Focus II. MacPherson struts work on the front axle, and a multi-link design on the rear. As befits a micro van, the C-Max is front-wheel drive only. For the transmission of torque, 5 and 6-speed mechanics or a 4-band automatic are responsible.
Typical problems and malfunctions.
Ford Sea-max is one of the least problematic models not only in the range of the brand, but also among the cars in general. The suspension is strong enough. As a rule, after 80-100 thousand km, you only have to change the little things (struts and stabilizer bushings). However, the situation is complicated by poor quality roads, which significantly reduces the service life of the arm silent blocks. Repairs rear suspension complicates corrosion threaded connections... However, it will not require too much maintenance.
The starter and generator are not distinguished by their durability - they often require repair. In addition, there are failures of the electro-hydraulic power steering pump ($ 300). Sometimes parking sensors and electrical parking brake... Sometimes ESP also stops functioning.
Ford C-Max owners complain aboutpoor workmanship: plastic interior elements and door seals creak. In the latter case, regular lubrication or replacement of seals with new ones saves. The quality of the basic upholstery of the seats, which gets dirty very easily, is also upsetting. Traces remain even after raindrops entering through open door or window. It's not hard to guess what the upholstery will look like. rear seats, on which children were transported for several years. The plastic of the trunk walls is too delicate and easily scratches.
One of the major flaws diesel versions - ineffective heating system. Unfortunately, Ford did not serially install heater salon.
As for corrosion protection, the S-Max is better protected than the first Focus or the third Mondeo. However, against the background of competitors, corrosion resistance is not exemplary. On older copies, you should carefully check the condition of the sills and rear wheel arches.
Conclusion.
Despite minor ford disadvantages C-Max nice car with superbly tuned suspension and precise steering. It may not be as roomy as its competitors, but in terms of handling it is perhaps one of the best representatives of the class. Another advantage is high reliability ( petrol versions). The picky ones may be concerned about the sometimes poor quality of some elements, especially in the interior. The cheapest samples of the first years of production can be purchased today for about 200-250 thousand rubles.
Specifications.
|
Version |
1.6 16V |
1.8 16V |
2.0 16V |
1.6 TDCi |
1.8 TDCi |
2.0 TDCi |
|
Engine |
Petrol |
Petrol |
Petrol |
Turbo diesel |
Turbo diesel |
Turbo diesel |
|
Working volume |
1596 cm3 |
1798 cm3 |
1999 cm3 |
1560 cm3 |
1753 cm3 |
1997 cm3 |
|
Cylinders / valves |
R4 / 16 |
R4 / 16 |
R4 / 16 |
R4 / 16 |
R4 / 8 |
R4 / 16 |
|
Maximum power |
100 h.p. |
125 h.p. |
145 h.p. |
109 h.p. |
115 h.p. |
136 h.p. |
|
Torque |
150 Nm |
166 Nm |
185 Nm |
240 Nm |
280 Nm |
320 Nm |
|
Dynamics |
||||||
|
Maximum speed |
175 km / h |
193 km / h |
203 km / h |
185 km / h |
188 km / h |
200 km / h |
|
Acceleration 0-100 km / h |
12.9 sec |
10.8 sec |
9.8 sec |
11.3 sec |
11.2 sec |
9.6 sec |
|
Fuel consumption |
8.5 l / 100 km |
9.0 l / 100 km |
10.0 l / 100 km |
5.5 l / 100 km |
6.0 l / 100 km |
7.0 l / 100 |
10.01.2017
- one of the most popular cars among active, family car enthusiasts. The popularity of this minivan is added by the fact that it is available not only in a five-seater version, but also a seven-seater version can be found on the market. Besides spacious salon the car has a rather interesting design, which was appreciated not only by motorists, but was also awarded the title “ Car of the Year" in 2007 yearand in 2008 was voted the best-selling minivan in Europe. It is worth noting that today the car is in good demand among practical and family car enthusiasts, therefore, we have no right to leave this car unattended. And today we will try to find out what typical shortcomings a used Ford S-Max has, and what to look for when choosing this car in the secondary market.
A bit of history:
Officially presented to the public in 2006 at the annual international auto show in Geneva. The car was built on the same platform with Ford galaxyhowever, the S-Max is positioned by the manufacturer as a car that is more focused on young car enthusiasts. Despite being similar in size to the Galaxy, the S-Max has a sportier appearance and different chassis settings, as well as less roomy interior... 2010 premiered updated version car, visually the novelty began to look even more aggressive. The interior has been updated and the electrical equipment has been improved. So, for example, instead of the traditional analog instrument panel (in all versions except the basic one), a more modern instrument panel with a large color display is installed. The assembly of this model is carried out at the company's plant, which is located in the city of Genk ( Belgium). The second generation Ford S-Max debuted in October 2014 at the Paris Auto Show.
Advantages and disadvantages of used Ford S-Max
The paintwork is not of the highest quality, as a result, over time, the paint can begin to flake off. Despite this, the metal of the car body is not bad at resisting the onslaught of redhead disease, but it also has weak points. Operating experience has shown that most often corrosion appears on thresholds, door edges and under rubber seals, and is also prone to corrosion exhaust system... Often, owners complain about the low quality of the anti-corrosion coating on the bottom.
Engines
Ford S-Max can be equipped with the following power units: petrol - 1.6 (160 HP), 2.0 (145 HP), 2.0 EcoBoost (203, 240 HP), 2.3 (160 HP), 2.5 (2.30 HP) ; diesel - 1.8 (100, 125 HP), 2.0 (115, 136, 140 and 160 HP) and 2.2 (175, 200 HP). Diesel-powered S-Maxs are rare in the aftermarket, but their reliability can be judged by other Ford models. Operating experience has shown that this type of engine is quite reliable and economical. The biggest drawback of these motors is the small turbine resource, it does not exceed 200,000 km. Therefore, when choosing a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be sure to check its condition ( the cost of a new turbine is 400-600 USD).
In TDCI engines, the fuel system is very sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel, and if you refuel a car at untested gas stations, you need to be prepared for an early replacement fuel injectors and particulate filter... Valve problems may also occur EGR and Injection pump... When choosing a car with over 100,000 km of mileage, pay attention to the condition of the dual-mass flywheel. The first signal of a flywheel malfunction will be vibration of the gear lever at idle, a metallic ringing when the ignition is turned off ( looks like a dangling muffler). Also, rare soft jerking of the car in a standing position at a slight angle is possible.
Gasoline engines are also quite reliable, but after 100,000 km, many of them require replacement of the hydraulic engine mount. If, when the engine is running, you hear a metallic clatter resembling the knock of valves, check the condition of the intake manifold flap. If suddenly the car began to start badly, and the speed also began to float, most likely replacement of the ignition coils is required ( often breaks the coil in wet weather or after washing engine compartment
). Also, a clogged throttle valve can be the cause of unstable engine operation. Cars of the first years of production suffer from oil leaks from the threaded plugs of the cooling system channels in the head of the unit. This type afraid of motors oil starvation, therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor the oil level in the engine, otherwise the tensioner may fail prematurely metal chain Timing (timing chain runs 200-250 thousand km). The 1.6 engine, unlike the others, is equipped with a timing belt drive, which should be replaced every 80,000 km. 
Transmission
It can be equipped with a five- or six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission and a robotic PowerShift transmission. In general, the machine and mechanics are quite reliable and do not require special attention (the manufacturer claims that all boxes are maintenance-free). However, many servicemen strongly disagree with this, and recommend change the oil in the box at least once every 80,000 km... The clutch mechanism of mechanics in most cases nurses 120-150 thousand km. Despite this, many experts do not recommend operating it until it is completely worn out, so as not to provoke premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel. A lot has already been said about the reliability of the robotic box, unfortunately, it does not have a large resource ( 100-150 thousand km), therefore, I would refuse to buy a car with such a transmission, which has a mileage of more than 80,000 km.
Features of chassis Ford S-Max with mileage
Equipped with fully independent suspension - MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear. Top versions can be equipped with shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness IDVC, it should be noted that cars equipped with such struts have a reduced ground clearance... Operating experience has shown that suspension Ford The S-Max has practically no weak points, as well as a high level of comfort and endurance. So, for example, the stabilizer struts can last 60-80 thousand km, bushings - up to 100,000 km. Shock absorbers, thrust bearings and ball joints, on average, they walk 100-120 thousand km. Silent blocks, hub bearings, CV joints with careful operation can last 120-150 thousand km.
The rear suspension requires overhaul every 100,000 km, and due to the abundance of parts, this procedure may seem unexpectedly expensive, and it is also worth noting that due to structural readings, it is necessary to adjust the wheel alignment every 20,000 km. Weak point in the steering, the power steering pump is considered, the cause of the pump's premature failure is a freeze pressure reducing valve... Closer to 200,000 km, most instances require repair or replacement of the steering rack. Brake pads wear out after 30-40 thousand km, discs will last 2-3 times longer.
Salon
The quality of the interior finishing materials and noise insulation is like on a budget car, therefore, many owners have to put up with extraneous creaks and knocks. The plastic of the center console does not have good wear resistance, as a rule, it loses its presentation after 5 years of operation. Electronics extremely rarely causes problems to owners, but only on condition that garage couplings have not interfered with it. It is worth noting that used copies with unauthorized tampering with electronic systems car on the secondary market is not so small, therefore, in on-board network various malfunctions may occur, up to the fire of the main control module. Of the typical sores of the model, one can single out: malfunctions of the climate system control (damage to the wiring), heating failure windshield and failure of the air conditioning compressor ( be sure to check its performance before buying). 
Outcome:
– reliable car for all occasions, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice, and in the future, do not spare money on quality " consumables"And Fuels and lubricants.
Advantages:
- Spacious salon.
- Comfortable suspension.
- Low cost of maintenance and repair.
Disadvantages:
- High fuel consumption (petrol versions).
- Low quality of interior finishing materials.
- Small resource of robotic transmission.
Minivan second generations of Ford The 2015-2016 S-Max officially debuted in the fall of 2014 on. And he pleasantly surprised motorists not only with the stylish body design, repeating the original appearance of the Ford S-Max Concept prototype, presented a year earlier, but also with a lot of new modern technologies that bring the novelty to a higher level. The new generation minivan Ford Es-Max 2015-2016 will delight potential owners with the opportunity to choose from a pair of gasoline (160 hp and 240 hp) and four diesel engines (120 hp, 150 hp, 180 hp and 210 hp), three 6 stepped boxes gears (6 manual transmissions, 6 automatic transmissions and 6 DSG PowerShift) and even the ability to get the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive four-wheel drive.
The start of sales of the second generation of the 2015-2016 Ford C-Max minivan in Europe is scheduled for the summer of this year at a price of 30 150 euros for the S-Max in the basic configuration Trend with petrol 1.5 Ecoboost (160 hp), mechanics and front-wheel drive up to 40 750 euros for the S-Max version in the Titanium configuration with a 2.0 TDCI diesel engine (180 hp), 6 DSG and a plug-in system all-wheel drive AWD. It will be possible to buy the 2nd generation Ford Es-Max in Russia from the fall of 2015, the initial price will amount to at least 2 million rubles.
While creating external appearance The new Ford S-Max design team relied on three key aspects. First, the new generation of the minivan had to retain the familiar proportions, recognizable lines and stylish image of the predecessor of the 1st generation Ford S-Max. And secondly, the new car in 2015 simply had to become more sporty, reckless and modern. And thirdly, new minivan must match the Ford family design and resemble relatives - and, of course, a soplatform one.
This is how the prototype of a new generation of a seven-seater minivan was born - the Ford S-Max Concept, which struck outright with its chic design with sporty notes. It is interesting that the serial version of Ford Esmax 2015 did not lose the originality of the prototype, although it lost some design chips, but in general the concept was preserved.
Official photos help to view new Ford Es-Max in detail and intently. Front end with sculpted nose formed by a signature false radiator grille modern models Ford, decorated with neat chrome lintels and a powerful bumper with an additional air intake section and classic round-shaped fog lights. Massive bonnet with distinctive ribs and embossings, graceful front fenders and new high-tech adaptive headlights head light Ford Dynamic LED.
The body profile of the new Ford S-Max completely destroys the minivan stereotype: compact body overhangs, a short hood, a fantastically stylish domed roofline, powerful doors with a high sill and compact side windows, large wheel arches, compact feed. A real sports minivan ... that's the right name for the new S-Max.
The rear part of the body picks up the melody of sport and excitement: neat drops of lamp shades with LED filling, a large door luggage compartment with a compact glass topped with a spoiler, a solid bumper with a diffuser and exhaust tailpipes integrated into its plane.
- Seven different alloy options are available for the new 2015-2016 Ford S-Max minivan rims R17, R18 and even R19 with tires 235 / 55R17, 235 / 55R18 or 245 / 55R19.
The salon of the second generation Ford Es-Max is standard for five, with two rows of seats; as an option, for 950 euros, a third row with two additional seats is available. The interior is modern and stylish, neatly assembled from high-quality materials, the ergonomics of the driver's seat at a height, excellent ability to transform the cabin, solid dimensions of the luggage compartment. In short, a great family new carcontinuing the tradition of a full-fledged minivan.
We will try to list all the new chips available for new S-Max... Of course, most of them are installed for a surcharge.
Digital multifunction dashboard with a color 10-inch screen, a multimedia complex Ford Sync 2 with a color touch 8-inch screen (telephone, music, navigation, rear view camera), front seats with electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage, three-zone climate control with a separate control unit for rear passengers, electric folding of the second and third row seats, electric tailgate, non-contact boot opening system with a leg swing under the rear bumper, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, leather interior, a roof with a panoramic view with sunroof, Pre-Collision Assist, Park Assist (perpendicular and parallel parking), front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Information System (monitoring objects in the blind spots of mirrors), Traffic Sign Recognition (monitoring traffic signs), Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid.
Specifications Ford S-Max 2015-2016 year
At the heart of the novelty is the CD4 platform, which is also used to build a new generation Ford Mondeo and crossover. So you can count on completely independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and multi-link in the back, steering from electric amplifier supplemented by Adaptive Front Steering system, disc brakes all wheels with a complete set of modern tools - ABS with EBD, ESP and BAS, as well as Hill Start Assist. Front-wheel drive as standard, but with diesel engines with a capacity of 150 and 180 forces, it is also possible to get the Intelligent AWD plug-in all-wheel drive system.
A couple will be registered under the hood of the new Ford S-Max gasoline engines Ecoboost series:
- 1.5-liter (160 hp 240 Nm) paired with 6 manual transmissions, acceleration to 100 km / h in 9.9 seconds, top speed 200 km / h, average fuel consumption 6.5 liters.
- 2.0-liter (240 hp 340 Nm) with 6 automatic transmissions, acceleration dynamics to the first hundred in 8.4 seconds, maximum speed 226 km, fuel consumption in the combined cycle of 7.9 liters.
Ruler diesel engines consists of four options:
- A 2.0-liter TDCI diesel engine (120 hp) paired with a 6 manual transmission will provide acceleration dynamics to 100 km / h in 13.4 seconds and a top speed of 183 km / h, consumption diesel fuel is only 5.0 liters.
- 2.0-liter TDCI (150 hp 350 Nm) with 6 manual transmissions (6 DSG) accelerates the minivan to 100 km / h in 10.8 seconds, top speed 198 (196) km / h, consumption in mixed driving mode 5.0 (5.4) liters.
- 2.0-liter TDCI (180 hp 400 Nm) in tandem with 6 manual gearboxes (6 DSG) helps to reach 100 km / h in 9.7 (9.5) seconds, the maximum achievable speed is 211 (208) km / h, the average diesel consumption is about 5.0 (5.4) liters.
- 2.0-liter TDCI Bi-Turbo (210 hp 450 Nm) is equipped exclusively with 6 DSG PowerShift, acceleration to 100 km / h takes only 8.8 seconds, top speed is 218 km / h, fuel consumption in the combined cycle is declared by the manufacturer at 5.5 liters ...
All petrol and diesel engines are equipped with an Auto-Start-Stop system. There is also a Smart Regenerative Charging system (regenerative braking energy). These chips help to significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in urban driving, and meet the strict Euro 6 CO2 emissions standards.
New Ford Es-Max 2015 photo
Click photo to enlarge
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What will happen in 2019: expensive cars and disputes with the government
Due to the growth of VAT and the unclear future of state support programs for the car market, new cars in 2019 will continue to rise in price. We found out how the auto companies will negotiate with the government and what new items will be brought.
However, this state of affairs only encouraged buyers to make decisions more quickly, and an additional argument was the VAT increase planned for 2019 from 18 to 20%. Leading auto companies told Autonews.ru what tests await the industry in 2019.
Figures: sales are growing for 19 months in a row
According to the results of new car sales in November 2018, the Russian car market showed an increase of 10% - thus, the market continues to grow for 19 months in a row. According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), 167,494 new cars were sold in Russia in November, and in total from January to November, automakers sold 1,625,351 cars, which is 13.7% more than last year.
According to the AEB, December sales results should be comparable to November. By the end of the whole year, it is expected that the market will reach 1.8 million of sold passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which will mean a 13% plus.
Most noticeably in 2018, according to data from January to November, they grew lada sales (324 797 units, + 16%), Kia (209 503, + 24%), Hyundai (163 194, + 14%), VW (94 877, + 20%), Toyota (96 226, + 15%), Skoda (73,275, + 30%). I began to enter lost positions in Russian Mitsubishi (39 859 units, + 93%). Despite the growth, Subaru (7026 units, + 33%) and Suzuki (5303, + 26%) lagged behind the brand.
We increased sales in BMW (32,512 units, + 19%), Mazda (28,043, + 23%), Volvo (6854, + 16%). "Shot" premium sub-brand from Hyundai - Genesis (1626 units, 76%). Stable in terms of performance in Renault (128 965, + 6%), Nissan (67 501, + 8%) Ford (47 488, + 6%), Mercedes-Benz (34 426, + 2%), Lexus (21 831, + 4%) and Land Rover (8 801, + 9%).
Despite the positive numbers, the overall volume of the Russian market remains low. According to the agency "Autostat", historically the market showed its maximum value in 2012 - then 2.8 million cars were sold, in 2013 sales decreased to 2.6 million. In 2014, the crisis came only towards the end of the year, so there was no dramatic drop in the market - Russians managed to buy 2.3 million cars at "old" prices. But in 2015, sales fell to 1.5 million units. The negative dynamics continued in 2016, when sales slipped to a record low of 1.3 million vehicles. Demand revived only in 2017, when Russians bought 1.51 million new cars. Thus, the initial figures for the Russian automotive industry are still far from the status of the first-selling market in Europe, which was predicted for Russia in the pre-crisis years.
Representatives of auto companies interviewed by Autonews.ru believe that the sales volumes of 2019 will be comparable to the results of 2018: according to their estimates, Russians will buy the same amount of cars or slightly less. Most expect January and February to fail, after which sales will rise again. However, the auto brands refuse official forecasts until the beginning of the new year.
“In 2019, the cars purchased in the pre-crisis 2014 will already be five years old - for Russians this is a kind of psychological mark on which they are ready to think about replacing a car,” said Kia Marketing Director Valery Tarakanov in an interview with Autonews.ru.
Prices: cars went up all year
After the crisis in 2014, new cars in Russia rose by an average of 66% by November 2018, according to Avtostat. For 11 months of 2018, cars on average became more expensive by 12%. The agency's experts came to the conclusion that the auto companies have now practically won back the fall of the ruble against world currencies. But it is stipulated that this does not mean a freeze in prices.
Inflation and an increase in the VAT rate from the beginning of 2019, from 18% to 20%, will contribute to a further rise in the price of cars. Representatives of auto companies in conversations with the Autonews.ru correspondent also do not hide that the increase in VAT will directly affect the cost of cars, and from the very beginning of 2019 - this, for example, was confirmed by Renault, AvtoVAZ and Kia.
Discounts, bonuses and new prices: when is the best time to buy a car
“On the threshold of the last quarter of the year, Russian car market continued to demonstrate strong growth. However, this pleasant fact did not come as a surprise given the tailwind in the sails of the entire retail sector, which is counting down the time before the VAT change. There is growing concern among market participants about the sustainability of retail demand starting from January 2019, ”explained Jörg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee.
At the same time, carmakers hope that the ruble exchange rate will not change much in relation to foreign currency, which will avoid price surges.
State support programs: gave half the amount
In 2018, two times less money was allocated for the programs of state support for the car market that are popular among Russians in comparison with 2017 - 34.4 billion rubles. instead of the previous 62.3 billion rubles. At the same time, only 7.5 billion rubles were spent on targeted programs designed specifically for motorists. We are talking about programs such as "The first car" and " Family car», Which apply to cars worth up to 1.5 million rubles.
The rest of the money went to more specific programs like Svoe Delo and Russian Tractor. 1.295 billion was spent on measures for the development and production of vehicles with remote and autonomous control, 1.5 billion on stimulating the acquisition of ground electric transport, and 0.5 billion on measures to stimulate production in the Far East (we are talking about compensation of transport costs for auto companies). billion rubles, for the purchase of NGV equipment - 2.5 billion rubles.
Thus, the government, as promised, continues to systematically reduce the volume of state support for the industry. For comparison: in 2014 only 10 billion rubles. went to recycling and trade-in programs. In 2015, 43 billion rubles were allocated to support the automotive industry, of which 30% was also spent on utilization and trade-in. In 2016, the cost of state support for the auto industry reached 50 billion rubles, of which half was also spent on similar targeted programs.
As for 2019, the situation with state support remains. So, in the middle of the year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that the programs "First Car" and "Family Car" have been extended until 2020 inclusive. They should allow buying new cars with a 10-25% discount. However, the automakers claim that they have not yet received any confirmation of the extension of the programs - the Ministry of Industry and Trade has not been able to clarify the situation and answer the request of Autonews.ru for a month.
Meanwhile, at a recent meeting with automakers, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said that the volumes state support domestic automotive industry five times the budget revenues from this industry.
“Now it is 9 rubles per 1 ruble of income to the budgetary system from the auto industry. This is with a recycling fee, but without recycling fee - 5 rubles of state support, ”he said.
Kozak explained that these numbers should make you think about the conditions under which state support measures should be provided to the auto industry, adding that the vast majority of business sectors do not receive any support from the state at all.
Disputes with the government: car companies are unhappy
In 2018, disputes between auto companies and the government over the terms of further work in the market escalated. The reason was the expiring agreement on industrial assembly, which gave auto companies that invested in the localization of production a tangible set of benefits, including tax ones. This situation primarily means that manufacturers in the face of uncertainty can postpone the launch of new models, which, incidentally, threatened Renault. In addition, it is more difficult for companies to predict their pricing policy. At the moment, the government, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Economic Development, has not yet been able to develop a unified strategy.
Until recently, the departments offered different tools to replace the finalizing decree on industrial assembly No. 166. For example, the Ministry of Industry and Trade actively lobbied for the signing of individual special investment contracts (SPICs) between the government and auto companies. The document presupposes a certain set of benefits, which is determined separately with each signatory, depending on the size of investments, including in R&D and export development. This tool has been repeatedly criticized by car company executives for lack of transparency and overly strict requirements for further investment.
The Ministry of Economics, in turn, opposed for a long time and insisted that only those who produce high-tech products, which do not belong to cars, could work under SPICs. The FAS also joined the negotiations with the position that companies should not form alliances and consortia, that is, they should not unite to sign SPICs. At the same time, it was precisely this idea of \u200b\u200bcombining brands to obtain a synergistic effect that the Ministry of Industry and Trade began to promote many years ago.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak had to intervene in the conflict situation, who created a special working group, invited representatives of all auto companies to it and also expressed a number of his own ideas. But this did not defuse the situation either - auto brands complained about newcomers, including Chinese companies, which could count on state support from scratch, about their unwillingness to invest too much in R&D and export organization.
At present, according to Autonews.ru sources participating in the negotiations, the overweight is on the side of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and a number of auto companies are already preparing to sign SPICs in the new year. And this means new investments, projects and models, the appearance of which can revive the Russian car market.
New models: there will be many premieres in 2019
Despite the accurate forecasts from automakers, most of them are preparing a lot of new products for Russia. For example, Volvo Autonews.ru told that they will bring a new Volvo S60 and Volvo V60 Cross Country... Suzuki will launch an updated vitara SUV and new compact SUV Jimny.
Skoda will bring the updated Superb and the Karoq crossover to Russia next year, Volkswagen in 2019 will start Russian sales of the Arteon liftback, as well as new modifications of the Polo and Tiguan. AvtoVAZ will roll out Lada Vesta Sport, Granta Cross and promises a few more new products.
