Japan bans the export of cars with a displacement of 1900 cc or more to Russia, effective from 9 August

July 28 - Japan will ban the export of cars with a displacement of 1900cc or more to Russia from 9 August, according to Yasunori Nishimura, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Recently, Japan will expand sanctions against Russia by banning the export of several products that could be diverted to military use, including steel, plastic products and electronic parts. The list also includes several types of cars, including all hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as cars with engine displacements of 1,900cc or greater.

The wider sanctions, which will be imposed on 9 August, follow a similar move by Japan's allies, the Moscow Times reported. Heads of state met at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima in May this year, where participating countries agreed to deny Russia access to technology or equipment that could be diverted to military use.

While companies such as Toyota and Nissan have stopped producing cars in Russia, some Japanese automakers still sell vehicles in the country. These vehicles are often parallel imports, many of which are manufactured in China (rather than Japan) and sold through dealers' used car programmes.

Recent research suggests that the Russia-Ukraine war has undermined Russia's nascent auto industry. Prior to the conflict, Russian consumers were buying about 100,000 cars per month. That number is now down to about 25,000 vehicles.