The year has closed, but the full twelve-month sales tally will only be released after the New Year holidays. Still, based on eleven months of data, AEB statistics have already identified the top five brands for the period.
Here is how the ranking looks, with the latest figures and what they imply for the industry going into 2024:
- Lada – 164,636 units, down 49% from the previous year
- Kia – 63,237 units, down 67% from the previous year
- Hyundai – 53,624 units, down 66% from the previous year
- Haval – 29,023 units, up 17% from the previous year
- UAZ – 23,153 units, down 66% with a further note of a 20% decrease
What is immediately evident is that all five top brands are operating in the red for 2023. This suggests a reshuffling of the leadership table as the year ends, with a strong likelihood that the traditional leaders will be overtaken in 2024. AvtoVAZ, UAZ, and Haval have established positions that are not in jeopardy, but the strong performance and growing presence of Chinese brands are redefining the competitive order. The market remains unpredictable, yet there is a sense that some relief could come if suppliers and dealers can navigate the current model shortage. In this climate, more cautious buyers may turn to well-established players, while others may experiment with newer arrivals from the Chinese manufacturers who are pressing into different segments with a broad lineup.
Former leaders such as Renault, Skoda, VW, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Peugeot have pared back their volumes significantly and are selling mainly residual stock. New arrivals are not expected to flood the market in the near term. Yet, there is a glimmer of possibility: parallel imports of these brands could surface as a workaround for supply gaps, though the stability of such moves remains highly uncertain and varies by region and regulatory environment. The overall message is clear—brand dynamics are shifting, and buyers, dealers, and policymakers alike are watching the trajectory with heightened attention.
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