Russia’s new car sales fell 6.2% in September, Avtostat says
In short
Russia’s new passenger car sales fell 6.2% year-on-year in September to 115,100 units, according to Avtostat. Lada led with sales up 7.6% to 28,400, while Haval fell 19.6% to 13,400. For January–September, the market was up 7.2% at 960,000 units, though dealers described conditions as stagnation.
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New passenger car sales in Russia fell 6.2% year-on-year in September to 115,100 units, according to data from the Avtostat agency reported by Kommersant and TASS. TASS, an official outlet, reported the same figure, citing Avtostat, while Kommersant provided additional data on brands and models. [ 1 , 2 ]
Kommersant reported that the decline was due to a high base from last year, when new utilization fee rates triggered demand. It said no similar growth incentives exist now, and that the comparison base was unusually high because in September and October 2024 buyers accelerated purchases fearing price increases after the utilization fee indexation. [ 1 ]
Lada remained the market leader in September, with sales up 7.6% to 28,400 units, according to Avtostat data cited by Kommersant. Haval was second, with sales down 19.6% to 13,400 units, and Tenet third, with 12,400 units, a 4.7-fold increase. The top-selling models were Lada Granta, Tenet T7 and Haval Jolion. [ 1 ]
For January–September, the market was up 7.2% at 960,000 units, Kommersant reported. It said most dealers surveyed described the market as stagnation, citing high loan rates and reduced purchasing power. [ 1 ]
Kommersant reported that the suspension of the subsidized car loan program in October will negatively affect sales, but that the planned January indexation of the utilization fee may boost interest in buying new cars. It also noted that price reductions of 100,000–300,000 rubles have not changed consumer behavior on a market scale given limited access to credit, and that the market is constrained not only by car prices but also by the availability of financing. Kommersant published the detailed material under the headline “Авторынок впал в осеннюю спячку”. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The October suspension of subsidized car loans is expected to weigh on sales, while a planned January indexation of the utilization fee may boost interest, according to Kommersant. The market faces high loan rates and reduced purchasing power, with dealers describing stagnation. The September decline partly reflects a high base from last year’s utilization fee changes.
Key facts
- New passenger car sales in Russia fell 6.2% year-on-year in September to 115,100 units, according to Avtostat. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Lada remained the market leader with sales up 7.6% to 28,400 units. [ 1 ]
- Haval was second with sales down 19.6% to 13,400 units, and Tenet third with 12,400 units, a 4.7-fold increase. [ 1 ]
- The top-selling models were Lada Granta, Tenet T7 and Haval Jolion. [ 1 ]
- January–September sales totaled 960,000 units, up 7.2% year-on-year. [ 1 ]
- Dealers described the market as stagnation, citing high loan rates and reduced purchasing power. [ 1 ]
- The suspension of subsidized car loans in October is expected to negatively affect sales, while the January utilization fee indexation may boost interest. [ 1 ]
- Kommersant reported that the September decline was linked to a high base from last year when new utilization fee rates triggered demand. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The reasons for the September decline and the dealer characterization of stagnation are reported only by Kommersant. Single-source analysis and dealer survey, not independently confirmed.
- The expected impact of the October suspension of subsidized car loans and the January utilization fee indexation is based solely on Kommersant’s reporting. Single-source outlook; no other outlet confirms.