Across eight months of 2024, Russia logged registrations for 1011 model car brands. Market observers describe this as a reflection of a highly dynamic catalog that includes mainstream family cars, luxury models, and niche variants alike. The tally underscores the sheer breadth of choice that new models bring to the country and hints at persistent import activity shaping early-year demand.
Of this number, 392 models cover 99% of the market, while the remaining 600 plus models together account for about 1% of demand. This distribution reveals a tight core lineup driving most sales, while hundreds of other models compete for marginal shares in a crowded field. It also suggests imports continue to fill gaps in niche segments and certain body styles, keeping a diverse lineup in play even as popular models dominate.
New brands that were previously absent in the Russian market face certification requirements before selling. Avatr has brought models 11 and 12, Deepal offers SL03 and S7, and eπ provides models 7 and 8, all moving through the local certification process. In parallel, Iran Khodro continues to pursue entry, with plans to begin distribution in the country as part of a broader push by international manufacturers to align with regional demand.
Industry figures show more than 150,000 new passenger cars were sold in September, and nine-month totals reach 1.154 million units. The premium segment posted stronger September growth than August, rising by 10.5% while the mass market advanced more slowly at about 0.9%, signaling shifting buyer preferences toward higher trim levels and enhanced features.
On the sales chart, Exeed and Tank remain at the top, while Lixiang hybrids occupy third and BMW climbs to fourth with a notable 40% jump in September. The overall picture shows Chinese brands capturing a dominant share of the segment, reaching around 77%, a clear sign of ongoing regional momentum in the market.
Market watchers emphasize that Lada continues to lead the mass segment, and the gap with Chinese competitors is widening. At the same time, newer Chinese brands such as Belgi and Knewstar are beginning to appear in the market, signaling fresh competition and evolving consumer choices across price tiers.
Earlier data for January through August indicate a 25% decline in sales of used cars classified as new, totaling 141.3 thousand transactions compared with 188.4 thousand the previous year. Among used vehicles, Lada models again held the strongest resale position with about 46.8 thousand transactions, followed by Chinese Chery at 11.3 thousand, while Geely also posted around 11 thousand in the top trio of resales.
In another development, Ozone I started selling Xcite cars, expanding the lineup available to buyers and signaling continued diversification in the market. Overall, the Russian auto sector in 2024 reveals a dynamic mix of domestic strength, foreign entrants, and a shifting consumer palate that continues to reshape the country’s automotive landscape.