August Refreshes Russia’s New Car Market, with Stronger Demand and Shifting Brand Momentum
August brought a notable lift to Russia’s new car market, as sales exceeded July by roughly 15,000 units. This surge came amid expectations that prices would rise further, encouraging buyers to act quickly. Analysts forecast that about one million cars could be sold in the country this year, based on industry reporting from Avtostat sources.
During August, 109,731 new cars were registered, marking an increase of nearly 15,000 units from July and standing about 2.6 times the volume seen in August of the previous year, according to market calculations. The numbers reflect a continued rebound in demand after a softer mid-summer period and illustrate how expectations of price movement can influence buying urgency in the automotive sector.
The data come from Avtostat, a firm that tracks vehicle registrations through the issuance of e-passports for cars. Even with the typical late-summer slowdown that often accompanies the season, August 2023 stood out as a record month since the spring, underscoring resilient consumer interest in new vehicles.
AvtoVAZ led the August sales chart with 28,721 units, followed by Chery with 13,412 and Haval at 10,979. Close behind were Gelly with 8,383 units, Changan at 6,869, Omoda with 5,975, and Exeed tallying 4,941. Rounding out the top ten were Kia with 3,053 cars, Toyota at 2,554, and Hyundai with 2,191 units. It is also noted that while several Korean brands were officially distributed in Russia, a portion of Toyota deliveries entered the market through parallel imports after official shipments from the Japanese maker ceased to Russia.
AvtoVAZ maintained overall leadership in the market, yet its share of the domestic market has gradually declined. A year earlier, Lada models accounted for almost 37 percent of sales; by August this year the share had slipped to 26.2 percent, signaling a shift in consumer preference toward other brands and models with broader appeal and newer offerings.
Chinese automakers are expanding their footprint in the Russian market at a brisk pace. Chery increased its market share from 7 percent to 12.2 percent over the year, while Haval rose from 7.1 percent to 10 percent. In total, Chinese brands contributed about 45 percent of August’s market activity, underscoring a broader shift in consumer demand toward non traditional suppliers and a more diverse lineup across segments.
The most popular model in August was the Lada Granta, with just over 16,000 units sold during the month. This model continues to hold a strong position, even as the market diversifies with more entrants from various manufacturers, reflecting a competitive mix that appeals to cost-conscious buyers and those seeking practical family cars.
Looking back at supply dynamics beyond August reveals shifts in availability and distribution. Several models that were widely known before the stoppage of deliveries to Russia after August 1st faced new constraints. This period highlighted the complex interplay between production decisions, import channels, and evolving consumer demand as the market adapted to changing circumstances. Avtostat remains a primary source for tracking these movements and helps explain how inventory and policy decisions ripple through the market. Avtostat