According to the data released by the European Chamber of Commerce, the Russian auto market stopped its fourth straight year of decline in 2017 and its sales volume increased to 1,595,737 units in 2017, up by 12% over 2016, with more eye-catching performances by Kia and Volkswagen brands. Amounting to 166,013 units, maintaining a growth rate of 14% for the 10th consecutive month last year.
Kia's market fundamentals in Russia remained flat in December compared to the same period in 2016, but rose 22% in the previous year to 2017. Volkswagen's sales rose 21% in 2017 and 37% in December from a year earlier.As a leader in the Russian market , Rada Motors performed a stronger 17% gain in 2017, up 18% in December from the same period of 2016. Hyundai Motor ranked second in sales volume with sales increasing 9% in the full year and in December, respectively, And 7% respectively.Renault ranked third in sales in 2017, up 17% YoY and 6% in December.
As demand for SUVs and vans increase, Ford is also increasing output in the Russian market, with Ford sales up 18% in Russia last year but a 37% rise in December from a year earlier in 2016.
Audi, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz sold unsatisfactory sales, while Audi sold 18% and 12% respectively in the Russian market last December and December. Mercedes-Benz's sales in 2017 basically remained unchanged in 2016 but increased in December 19%. Toyota's sales last year also remained flat with 2016, and slightly increased by 4% in December.
Chinese brand performance
Among the many Chinese brands marching into the Russian market, Lifan ranks No. 1 in China with 16,964 sales a year, down 3% from 2016. Chery came second, with a total of 5,905 vehicles sold last year , Up 24% .Totai sold a total of 1,088 vehicles last year, an increase of 261%. Changan Automobile sold 1,411 vehicles throughout the year, an increase of 161%.
Dongfeng Motor and Geely Automobile sold 913 vehicles and 2,234 vehicles respectively last year, a decrease of 21% and 50% respectively.
