Russia has eased the standards for vehicle manufacturing on its territory, allowing the production of cars without ABS or airbags, because of shortages of electronic components and spare parts due to Western sanctions.
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In a decree promulgated on May 12, the Russian government established a list of reduced standards to be able to certify new vehicles produced in the country.
Among these new standards, the government authorizes manufacturers not to equip vehicles with ABS sensors or airbags, or even seat belt pretensioners.
The decree is in effect until February 1, 2023.
Reduction of environmental standards
Russia, according to the same decree, also significantly reduces environmental standards, according to the Kommersant daily in its Tuesday edition.
The newspaper notes that these return to a level equivalent to the vehicles produced in 1988.
Following the Russian offensive in Ukraine, Western countries imposed heavy sanctions on the Russian automobile sector, in particular banning the export of spare parts to Russia.
Many producers have also announced that they will stop selling components or cars to Russia, like Audi, Honda, Jaguar or Porsche.
In May, Russia published a list of around 100 categories of goods that are allowed to be imported without the agreement of intellectual property owners in order to circumvent the restrictions.
Among these products, we find in particular the major car brands and spare parts.
Falling Russian GDP
Vladimir Putin repeats over and over again that the West has unleashed an economic war against his country but that Russia has resisted the sanctions, and that it now has the chance to develop its own national productions.
Russian GDP, according to international estimates, should nevertheless lose at least 10% this year.
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But Russia can still count on the oil and gas windfalls that have allowed state coffers to fill and the ruble to resist sanctions.