Russia May 2013: Lada Largus into Top 10 in market down 12%

Lada Largus

* See the Top 25 best-selling models and Top 56 All-brands by clicking on the title! *

It’s official: there are now some cracks in the Russian new car market. Whereas we had witnessed almost 3 full years (34 consecutive months) of year-on-year growth until last March, May marks the third month in a row of decline, and it is getting worse at -12% and 229,670 registrations. AEB forecasts for the Full Year 2012 have now been lowered to 2.8 million units, down 5% or 150,000 units on 2012. The Lada Granta enjoys its 9th consecutive month in pole position thanks to 14,471 sales and 6.3%, followed by the Hyundai Solaris at 10,493 units and 4.6% while the Kia Rio is back inside the Russian podium for the 2nd time ever after last March at #3 with 7,978 sales and 3.5%, a new market share record for the nameplate. The Rio is now also #3 year-to-date.

It’s the VW Polo’s first ever month inside the Russian Top 5… 

The two following models also hit their highest ever ranking in the country: the Renault Duster ranks 4th for the 2nd time after last January at 7,231 units and 3.1%, its 5th time in the Russian Top 5 in the last 6 months, and the VW Polo is up one rank on April to #5 with 6,155 sales and 2.7%, even though it is bizarrely down 9% year-on-year. 2013 is clearly a year of change for Lada: the Kalina (-56%), Priora (-47%), 4×4 (-22%) and Samara (-61%) all dive while the Lada Largus (aka previous gen Dacia Logan MCV) breaks into the monthly Top 10 for the very first time in May thanks to 5,289 sales and 2.3%, also volume and share records for the model.

Russian Geely sales are up a whopping 119% year-on-year in May…

In other news, notice the Toyota RAV4 solid at #11 with 4,503 units and 2% share, up 115% year-on-year and the Kia Cee’d stable at #18. Brand-wise, Lada takes a beating at -18% and 16.6% share while Renault (8.1%), Kia (7.5%), Hyundai (7%) and Toyota (6%) all lodges market shares higher than their year-to-date levels. But the most impressive year-on-year evolution is once again delivered by the Chinese trio Geely at #23 and +119%, Lifan at #24 and +66% and Great Wall at #27 and +74%.

Previous month: Russia April 2013: Toyota RAV4 in Top 10

One year ago: Russia May 2012: Lada Granta stuck at #4, Chevrolet Cruze up to #9

Full May 2013 Top 25 models and Top 56 All-brands Ranking Tables below.