Russia October 2017: Optima, Outlander shine in market up 17.3%

First ever Top 25 ranking for the Kia Optima in Russia. 

* See the Top 55 All-brands and Top 25 models by clicking on the title *

Russian new car sales post an 8th consecutive month of year-on-year gains and 6th consecutive double-digit gain at +17.3% to 148.597 registrations. This is the longest positive streak in Russia since 2012, and it lifts the year-to-date volume up 11.3% to 1.277.938 units. Homegrown brand leader Lada celebrates an incredible 16th straight month of market-beating performances with sales up 23% to 19.3% share. The last time Lada fared worse than its home market was in June 2016. On the podium, Kia (+16%) and Hyundai (+11%) lose share while Renault (+18%) and Volkswagen (+15%) are zeroing in on the market growth. Toyota (-5%) and Nissan (+27%) complete a Top 7 identical to last month. Skoda (+24%) and Ford (+33%) both sign very robust gains in the remainder of the Top 10.

The Outlander (+91%) helps Mitsubishi up 140% in October. 

Below, Chevrolet (+25%), Datsun (+50%), Smart (+69%), Suzuki (+71%), Fiat (+91%), Mitsubishi (+140%), Honda (+166%) and Ravon (+631%) shine, while among Chinese carmakers Lifan edges up 1% to remain in the lead whereas Chery (+68%), Changan (+80%), Zotye (+176%), Foton (+525%) all advance frankly albeit from low bases. Newcomers Haval (up one spot to #36) and HTM/Hawtai (up two to #52) timidly go up.

The honeymoon period continues for the VW Tiguan in Russia: +83% this month. 

In the models ranking, the Kia Rio is the best-seller in Russia for the 11th time in the past 15 months in spite of sales down 2% year-on-year to 5.9% share. The Lada Granta catches up with deliveries up 20% to 5.5% but remains 6.400 units below the Rio year-to-date as Russia is headed towards a second consecutive year of foreign-dominated models charts after the historical win of the Hyundai Solaris in 2016. The Lada Vesta continues to gear up at +31% but is share is down to 4.5% in October, with the Hyundai Creta (+41%) breathing on its neck whereas its factory buddy the Solaris (-32%) freefalls again. Both the Lada Largus (+24%) and XRAY (+62%) beat the market. Further down, notice the Chevrolet Niva (+25%), Mazda CX-5 (+33%), Nissan X-Trail (+37%), VW Tiguan (+83%) and Mitsubishi Outlander (+91%), all SUVs posting market-beating gains. Finally, the Kia Optima makes its very first appearance among Russia’s 25 best-selling nameplates thanks to volumes up 87% on October 2016.

Previous month: Russia September 2017: Kia Rio back on top in market up 17.9%

One year ago: Russia October 2016: Kia Rio dominates again in market down just 3%

Full October 2017 Top 55 All-brands and Top 25 models below.