For the first time in over a decade, Lada emerged as the most popular new car in Moscow, a surprising shift driven largely by a wider market crunch. With many foreign brands largely absent from the shelves, the usual mix of European, American, and Japanese models did not pour into the country as before. Russian plants faced closures or reduced output, and a number of international manufacturers, including some from South Korea, curtailed operations. Against that backdrop, Lada filled a gap in what buyers could access, turning the brand into a practical and familiar option for households looking to replace an aging fleet or acquire a first new car without crossing into import-heavy segments. The dynamic highlighted how supply realities can reshape consumer choice as much as price or reputation.
Avtostat’s July 2022 tally shows the shift clearly. In Moscow, 684 Ladas were purchased and registered—an unexpectedly strong performance for a brand that seldom led the market in recent years. Close behind were Kia, with 580 units, and Geely, with 569 units, underscoring a trend where mainstream, value-oriented brands gained traction as import channels tightened. Hyundai, still a familiar name for many buyers, landed in fourth place with 487 registrations, while Chery—a Chinese automaker not long ago unknown to many regional buyers—entered the top five with 474 cars sold through its network. This mix demonstrates how affordability, availability, and the readiness of local production shape consumer preference when the global supply chain contracts.
When looking at the models themselves, the everyday choices reflect a blend of practicality and perceived reliability. The top seller list included the Vesta with 393 units, a model designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers who value straightforward maintenance and decent residual value. The Geely Coolray followed, tallied at 375, representing a compact SUV that blends city practicality with a touch of modern flair. The best-selling Geely Tigoo 4 variant claimed 217 units, illustrating demand for versatile crossovers within a price range that remains accessible. Rounding out the most popular picks were the LADA Granta at 179 and the Haval Jolion at 178, a Chinese-made crossover that has found a sizable audience among urban buyers who want a comfortable, feature-rich ride without inflating the budget. These patterns reveal how domestic brands and affordable global models can coexist at the forefront of a market constrained by supply, while still offering a spectrum of choices for buyers with different needs.
Overall, Moscow registered a total of 5,078 new-car sales in July, a result that marks a sharp 74 percent decline from the same month a year prior. The number underscores the breadth of the disruption affecting new-car registrations across the city, from production slowdowns to import limitations and consumer caution during a period of market readjustment. For observers, this snapshot offers more than just brand rankings; it presents a case study in how external shocks—manufacturing pauses, currency fluctuations, and shifting trade policies—can tilt local demand toward brands that maintain steady supply lines and robust dealer networks. While the long-term trajectory remains uncertain, the July data point illustrates the resilience of price-sensitive buyers who prioritize value, availability, and the practical peace of mind that a familiar name like Lada can provide when imported options retreat from the showroom floor. Attribution: Avtostat data and industry analysis compiled by market watchers following Moscow’s automotive market movements.