Russia March 2022: Market collapses -62.9% as sanctions bite

UAZ Classic Commercial sales are up 5.3% in March.

Economic sanctions levelled at Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine have affected the value of the ruble and triggered widespread inflation as well as the end of the import of some automotive parts in an international boycott. Some estimates have the price of cars rising up to 40% between March 1 and March 25. Carmakers having suspended operations in Russia include Volkswagen, Ford, General Motors, BMW, Mazda, Honda and Toyota. This added to supply issues that are affecting the entire world mean the Russian market collapses in March at -62.9% to just 55,129 units, the lowest March volume in at least 15 years. The year-to-date volume is now down -28.4% to 277,332 including BMW, Mini and Mercedes which only report quarterly.

In the brands ranking, Lada (-63.6%), Kia (-68.4%), Hyundai (-68%), Renault (-65.1%) and Toyota (-68.6%) all fall even faster than the market whereas local manufacturers GAZ (-36.2%) and UAZ (-19.3%) resist much better and does Nissan (-52.7%) to a much smaller extent. Volkswagen (-74.2%) and Skoda (-71.2%) are the hardest hit in the Top 10. Just outside the Top 10, Geely (-13.9%), Ford (-38%), Mazda (-39.7%) and Haval (-44.5%) all fall significantly lower than the market while Cheryexeed (+63.4%) manages a whopping year-on-year gain and outsells Chery (-79.2%) for the month. Lexus (-90.8%), Land Rover (-75.5%), Porsche (-72.7%) and Volvo (-71.9%) lose the most ground further down. Among smaller brands, Isuzu (+466.7%) and Chevrolet (+90.7%) improve.

The Geely Tugella breaks into the Top 30 for the first time.

Model-wise, two Ladas return to the top for the first time since last November: the Granta (-72.9%) and Vesta (-63.9%) despite both losing more ground than the market. The Kia Rio (-64%) rounds out the podium ahead of the Lada Niva (-51.8%) occupying a rare pole position in the SUV charts. The GAZ Gazelle (-39.1%) advances four spots to #5, distancing the Hyundai Solaris (-72%), VW Polo (-69%) and Hyundai Creta (-77.5%). The Renault Duster (-34.5%), Mazda CX-5 (-35%) and Nissan Qashqai (-37%) fare relatively well below. In a month favouring LCVs, the UAZ Classic Commercial (aka Bukhanka) is up 5.3% year-on-year to end the month at #15. The Hyundai Tucson (+339.5%) is lifted to #22 by the new generation, the Haval Jolion is down 6 spots on February to #24 but remains the only recent launch in the Top 30 while the Geely Tugella (+582.7%) breaks into the Top 30 for the first time at #29.

Previous month: Russia February 2022: Kia Rio repeats at #1, Hyundai Solaris at highest in over 5 years, market off -4.8%

One year ago: Russia March 2021: Haval first ever Chinese brand to crack Top 10 in market off -5.7%

Full March 2022 Top 50 All-brands and Top 25 models below.