Russia April 2014: Nissan Almera breaks records again

Nissan Almera

* See the Top 25 best-selling models and Top 58 All-brands by clicking on the title! *

After seeming to plateau in March at just -0.4%, Russian new car sales are back in hell in April, potentially handicapped by the economic sanctions imposed on the country: down 8% year-on-year to 226,526 registrations, bringing the year-to-date total to 829,046 units, down 4% on 2013. The Top 7 best-selling models are unchanged on last month, led by the Lada Granta (-13%), Hyundai Solaris (-7%) and Kia Rio (+7%), but the best performer in April is the recently-launched Nissan Almera: up to #8 with 5,798 sales and 2.6% share which are its best-ever ranking (also reached last February), monthly volume and market share. Notice also the Toyota RAV4 up 7 spots on March to #11 and the Nissan Juke up 71% year-on-year to #19, earning it a spot in the 2014 Top 25 at #23.

Acura MDX

In the brands ranking, at #1 Lada is down 16% but with 16.3% share it is almost one percentage point above its year-to-date level (15.5%) and in any case still sells more than double any other brand on the market. Kia is down 3% to #2, Renault down 9% at #3, Hyundai stable at #4, Toyota down 1% to #5, Chevrolet down a harsh 17% to #6 and Nissan up 43% to #7. Notice also Mazda up 91%, Lexus up 22%, Infiniti up 82% and Jeep up 84%.

Brilliance launches in Russia this month with the V5 SUV…

…while JAC arrives with the J5 sedan and S5 SUV (above).

A very rare feat, after ChangAn and Alfa Romeo in March, there are 3 additional new carmakers in the Russian ranking this month: Acura lands at #45 with 112 sales, Brilliance ranks #47 at 75 units and JAC is #49 with 58 sales, the latter two bringing to 11 the number of Chinese brands on sale in Russia. They are led this month by Lifan (#20), Chery (#28), Geely (#30), Great Wall (#31) and FAW (#39). Interestingly, all new Chinese entrants are rightfully launching a new small SUV in Russia: the ChangAn CS35, Brilliance V5 and JAC S5.

Previous month: Russia March 2014: Mitsubishi Outlander breaks into Top 10

One year ago: Russia April 2013: Toyota RAV4 in Top 10

Full April 2014 Top 25 models and Top 58 All-brands Ranking Tables below.