Sales Of New Cars In Russia In May Fell By Half

2023 Author: Natalie MacDonald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 02:36

According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), 63,033 new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were sold in Russia in May 2020, which is 51.8% less than in May 2019. However, this result is more than 1.5 times higher than sales in April. A total of 478 135 vehicles were sold from January to May (minus 25.7%).

“This month we again observe a significant decrease in sales of new cars - by 51.8% compared to May 2019, which is not surprising, since the car dealerships in Moscow, St. Petersburg and most regional dealers were closed throughout the month. The technical centers were able to resume their work, and, accordingly, the flow of customers began to grow slightly. We expect that in June, against the background of the beginning of easing of restrictions in most of the country, the situation will slightly improve, which will positively affect the stability of the dealer network. The implementation of the first package of government support measures will contribute to a gradual recovery of the market in the second half of the year,”says Thomas Stärzel, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee.

About brands

Sales of the leader - Lad - decreased less than in the market as a whole, only by 46%. If we take into account the total sales with the Niv model (which is still produced under the Chevrolet brand), then the result will be even slightly more positive - minus 44.8%, 16 663 cars sold. According to the results of five months, the total sales reached 110,375 thousand units (minus 27.6%).

Demand for Ki and Hyundai cars declined more - by 59% and 57%, respectively. Sales of both brands together in absolute terms were weaker than those of Lada. In many ways, a strong drawdown resulted from the fact that dealers in the capital region, which accounts for the lion's share of the concern's sales, returned to work only in the last week of May (in the Moscow region) and in early June (in Moscow).

Despite the strict restrictions in work and the self-isolation regime, some dealers still managed to show positive dynamics. Changan (plus 124%), FAW (plus 19%) and Haval (plus 5%) were among them due to the low base effect. Fiat (plus 1%) and Isuzu (plus 29%) also showed growth - mainly due to sales of Comtrans.

The lightest falls were recorded for the Japanese Lexus and Suzuki. At the same time, Lexus was in the top 10 best-selling passenger car brands by the end of the month.

About model

Among the leaders - no changes: the first lines for LadGrant (minus 48.4%) and Vest (minus 49.3%), as well as KiRio (minus 56.3%). After the disastrous April, the compact crossover Hyundai Cret returned to fourth place (minus 43.9%). The usual fifth place is taken by VW Polo (minus 56.2%).

Crossovers and SUVs marked the minimum drop in a month. The best result is for the ToyotLand Cruiser Prado: minus 10.3%. Demand for Chevrolet Niv has grown by 24.9%, for “classic” Lad4x4 - by 30.4%. Sales of KiSportage declined the most - by 74%.

According to the results of five months, only one model managed to maintain positive dynamics - ToyotRAV4: plus 25.9%. However, in May, the model slipped along with the market: minus 51.3%. The minimum fall from January to May was also recorded for Nissan Qashqai (minus 5.4%) and MazdCX-5 (minus 8.2%).

KiSeltos, Chevrolet Niva, Nissan X-Trail and ToyotLand Cruiser Prado hit the top 25 sales in May 2020. In addition, KiOptima returned to the leaders, which for several months found itself outside the rating. Left the top 25 Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, SkodKodiaq and Rapid.