Yet the trend suggests more models will enter the Russian market soon as inventories of European, Korean, and Japanese cars wind down. Dealers are adjusting to tighter supply lines, while local buyers look for value and continued availability. The coming weeks should bring a new mix of options as import channels rebalance and automakers realign their Russia-focused portfolios.
The AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee has long tracked the most popular models in Russia, and traditionally its January report highlights the Top 25 best-selling passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The January snapshot offers a clear snapshot of consumer preferences, brand performance, and the shifting balance between urban crossover demand and traditional sedans as buyers adapt to changing financing conditions and evolving warranty programs.
This material is prepared for general informational purposes and reflects recent market activity. It does not constitute a purchase recommendation and should be read in the context of broader industry trends, regulatory developments, and regional economic factors that influence vehicle choices across Russia and neighboring markets.
Let’s zero in on the segment that attracts the most attention from buyers — crossovers — where versatility, space, and perceived value often drive purchase decisions more than pure performance alone. Within the Top 5 SUVs favored by customers from the Middle Kingdom, the picture shows a mix of mainstream appeal and strategic pricing that resonates with family buyers and urban dwellers alike.
- Geely Coolra – 1865 pcs. (+138%)
- Haval Jolion – 1523 pcs. (+8%)
- Geely Atlas Pro – 1173 pcs. (+182%)
- Haval F7 — 1088 pcs. (+19%)
- Haval F7X — 1002 pcs. (+84%).
Across the market, overall sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia declined sharply, reflecting a calendar-quarter slowdown and ongoing trade frictions, with total volumes dropping to 32,499 units in January — a substantial decrease of 63.1 percent compared with the previous year. This contraction underscores a market in transition, where buyers weigh price sensitivity against the value propositions offered by newer crossovers, fuel efficiency improvements, and warranty coverage that accompanies modern models.
The AEB statistics exclude certain brands and models with irregular reporting schedules, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz Rus which publish data periodically, and Chery, Omoda, and Exeed variants whose figures are not released by their headquarters. As a result, the official picture may shift as margins and channel inventories adjust, but the published data still provides a reliable barometer for overall market direction and segment leadership.
- “Drive” can be read in the latest industry briefing materials and market commentary available through official data releases and contemporaneous coverage.
Source: AEB