In the first nine months of 2023, Russia sold about 896.2 thousand new vehicles, marking a 1.5-fold rise over the same period in the previous year. This surge is reported by Avtostat, the analytical agency behind the figures and insights cited in industry updates.
Of the total, roughly eight in ten units were passenger cars. By the end of September, sales of new passenger cars reached 717.3 thousand, up 51 percent from January–September 2022. Across all market segments, gains were visible, with trucks showing the strongest expansion since the start of the year, climbing 81 percent to 105.8 thousand units.
During January–September 2023, bus sales rose 33 percent to 11.9 thousand units, while light commercial vehicles (LCVs) increased by 11 percent to 61.2 thousand units.
Looking ahead, early market forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2023 suggested a moderation in new passenger car sales in Russia, with an anticipated decline of 5–10 percent compared with the third quarter. Analysts point to three principal factors: higher vehicle recycling fees, a rate increase by the Central Bank, and currency movements that have impacted margins for buyers and dealers.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade indicated expectations for a gradual market recovery. Officials suggested that the Russian automobile sector could see sales approaching 1.3 million units in 2024, signaling a potential rebound after recent volatility.