Russia August 2012: Lada Granta takes off to #2, Lada Largus #20

Looks like the Lada Granta is finally getting its groove on in Russia

* See the Top 25 best-selling models by clicking on the title! *

At 258,761 registrations and up 15% year-on-year, this is the best August ever for new car sales in Russia, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,928,216 units, up 14% on 2011. For only the third time in the last 12 months after September 2011 and February 2012, the Lada Priora takes the lead of the models ranking with 12,647 sales and 4.9%. It is followed by the Lada Granta, finally taking off after being stuck outside the podium since its first appearance in the ranking last January and selling a record 12,511 units (its first time above 10,000 monthly sales) for a 4.8% share (its first time above 4%).

Lada Largus

After 5 consecutive months in pole position, the Lada Kalina is kicked down to #3 at -30% year-on-year to 8,259 sales and 3.2% but comfortably stays in the lead year-to-date at 87,198 units and 4.5%. The Hyundai Solaris is once again the best-selling foreign model in Russia, but this month its advantage over the Ford Focus is just 263 units. The Chevrolet Cruze is stable at a best-ever #8, while the Daewoo Nexia at #9 (+1) and Lada 4×4 at #10 (+6) experience a little revival.

Lada 4×4

Now that it features in the 2012 year-to-date ranking at #23, we have official figures for the Renault Duster and its July was even better than expected at 5,455 sales (#11) with August slightly down to #15 and 4,308 units. The other two Renaults in the Top 25 are in sharp decline however: the Logan is #24 vs. #9 year-to-date and the Sandero is #26 vs. #15. Based on my calculations we have a notable newcomer in the Top 20: the Lada Largus, aka Dacia Logan MPV, landing at #20 with 3,083 sales and 1.2%.

Previous month: Russia July 2012: Renault Duster close to Top 10, Lada Largus lands

One year ago: Russia August 2011: Lada Priora most popular

Full August 2012 Top 25 Ranking Table below.