Russia May 2022: Market collapse accelerates to -83.5%

The Geely Coolray is up to a record 14th place in May.

Economic sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine continue to wreak havoc on Russian new car sales, accelerating their collapse to -83.5% vs. -78.5% in April and -62.9% in March. Only 24,268 new vehicles were registered this month, the lowest monthly figure since potentially the 1960s or 1970s. The year-to-date tally is now down -52% to 318,114 units. Brand leader Lada (-84.3%) falls slightly faster than the market but shows a strong market share at 24.8% vs. 21.1% year-to-date. Kia (-80.8%) and Hyundai (-82.1%) for their part drop a little slower than the market rate to complete the podium. GAZ (-56.9%) and UAZ (-40.8%), locals that are both stronger in the Light Commercials segment, fare markedly better than the market and rank #4 and #6 respectively vs. #8 and #12 year-to-date. Chinese brands are also less affected, with Geely (-54.7%) up 9 spots on April to a record 7th place, the highest monthly ranking ever reached by a Chinese carmaker. The brand smashes its record share, lifting it from 2.4% last October to 3.7% this month. It is followed closely by Haval (-71.8%) up two spots to a record #8, also reached in November 2021. Skoda (-91.6%) and Volkswagen (-93.6%) round out the Top 10 in paltry fashion. Other carmakers beating the market include Changan (-27.4%), breaking its share (1.3%) and ranking (#15) records, Jeep (-63%), Genesis (-63.5%), FAW (-67.3%) and Infiniti (-70.7%)

Over in the models ranking, the Lada Granta (-82%) passes the Lada Vesta (-84.7%) to establish itself in the YTD pole position while the GAZ Gazelle (-64.7%) is up three spots on April to a fantastic third place. The Kia Rio (-82%) is up one to #4, the Hyundai Creta (-79.1%) is up two to #5 and reclaims the title of best-selling SUV in Russia off the Lada Niva (-82.1%) down three to #6. The UAZ Classic Commercial (-10.4%) posts the best performance in the Top 10 and climbs to #8 overall, while the GAZ Sobol (-14.1%) does almost as well at #10 (+7). The Kia Sportage (-73.1%) is up 10 ranks on last month to #12, the Kia Seltos (-71%) is up two to #13, the Geely Coolray (-49.4%) leaps up to a record #14 and the Haval Jolion (+269.6%) celebrates one year in market at #16. The Hyundai Tucson (+76.6%) is the only additional gainer in the Top 30, thanks to the new generation.

Previous month: Russia April 2022: Economic sanctions see market imploding -78.5%

One year ago: Russia May 2021: Lada hits highest market share in over 10 years, sales up 12.6% on two years ago

Full May 2022 Top 45 All-brands and Top 30 models below.