The Russian automobile market is promising and expanding, he said.
"Recalling the last year estimates, it is 17 billion dollars as regards only cars. This year it is 20 billion dollars. In 2010 the Russian car market will increase to 31 billion dollars," Khristenko said.
His working visit to the KAMAZ factory is pegged to the preparations for cabinet consideration of the average-term outlook for the development of the national automobile industry.
The cabinet of ministers passed the decision to ban the import of cars older than seven years in late 2003.
Khristenko said that the measures taken then were no longer justifying themselves.
For instance, in the first quarter of 2004 the import of used cars greatly increased and its rate of increment is now much above the rate of production and sale of cars made in Russia.
Khristenko noted that, during his visit to KAMAZ (Russia's leading manufacturer of trucks), Russia's truck making on the KAMAZ example was in discussion. "It was a very useful and to-the-point conversation. Overall, the rules of the game on the domestic automobile market have been in discussion today," Khristenko said.
He noted that clear and long-term technical control norms, as well as requirements for reaching the European environmental-friendliness standards, are to appear.
A deadline for switchover to the new standards is to be set, Khristenko said. It will make things clear for both producers and partners, he said. "For instance, KAMAZ is in cooperation with foreign makers of automobile components," he added.
In Khristenko's opinion, customs tariffs as a market regulation method also have to be revised.
"The duties should be adequate. Imported foreign cars should not enjoy the same preferences in environmental friendliness as home-made cars, which is unfortunately often the case," said the industry and energy minister.
