Russia Auto Thread


Russian LCV market will continue to grow in 2024​

31.05.24
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At the forum of auto business "ComAuto - 2024" deputy head of analytical department of agency "AUTOSTAT" Victor Pushkarev, presenting the forecast of market of commercial vehicles in Russia, separately highlighted factors that influenced on it in 2023 and will remain in effect in 2024.
It is interesting that with challenges slowing down the growth and development of commercial vehicles market (sanctions on automotive components and spare parts, low level of investment in the automotive industry, tough credit and leasing conditions, increased scrappage duty, shortage of skilled labor), the agency's experts still forecast growth in some of its segments in 2024. Thus, they believe that in the market of light commercial vehicles (LCV) at any development of events in the current year will be positive dynamics. In the basic version of forecast, analysts envision growth of 22% up to the sales volume of 110 thousand vehicles, and in the optimistic scenario - 35% (up to 122 thousand vehicles).
And even in the most pessimistic scenario, the market should still show growth (+8% to 98 thousand vehicles). According to Pushkarev, sales in this particular market segment will be stimulated by the growing volume and logistics of road transportation in the country (in 2023, the number of applications increased 1.5 times, and in 2024 it is expected to grow), renewal of school bus and ambulance fleets, recovery and development of DNR, LNR, Zaporizhzhye and Kherson regions. In addition, state support for the automotive industry and the car market will have an impact, with 12.3 billion and 2 billion allocated for this purpose in 2024.
 

MG5 sedan has passed certification in Russia​

31.05.24
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Mir-Distributor, which is the official representative of MG Motor in Russia, has completed the process of obtaining vehicle type approval (VTA) for the MG5 model for the Russian market. Since the end of last year, Mir-Distributor has been selling MG5 sedans imported under the parallel import scheme, according to the company's press service. MG5 sedan has the following dimensions: 4,601 mm in length, 1,818 mm in width and 1,489 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.
Under the bonnet of the car is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an output of 114 hp, which works in combination with a manual or 9-speed automatic transmission (CVT). The model can be exclusively front-wheel drive. The trunk volume is 512 liters. In the Russian market MG5 is offered in three configurations: Comfort MT (1 million 999 thousand rubles, including marketing campaigns), Comfort CVT (2 million 069 thousand rubles), Deluxe CVT (2 million 169 thousand rubles).
Depending on the configuration, the model is equipped with such options as tire pressure sensor, 6 airbags, rear parktronic, cameras with 360-degree view, seats with electric adjustment in 6 directions, keyless access, LED headlights. In 2024, Mir-Distributor plans to sell 10 models in the Russian market, including electric cars and a pickup truck.
Next in line is MG6 liftback, whose tests have already been completed, as well as MG ZS, MG HS, MG RX5 and MG RX9 crossovers. Their sales are expected to start in Q3 - Q4 2024. Electric and hybrid models such as MG4, MG ZSEV, MG HSPHEV are being introduced to the Russian market.
 

Sales of medium-tonnage trucks will grow, while sales of large-tonnage trucks will fall​


Sales of medium-tonnage trucks will grow, while sales of large-tonnage trucks will fall

Viktor Pushkarev, deputy head of analytics department of AUTOSTAT agency, has announced a forecast for the Russian truck market in 2024. And he did it with a breakdown by segments - medium-capacity vehicles (MCV) and large-capacity vehicles (HCV).
Taking into account a number of factors - both negative and positive - analysts believe that at the end of this year, the medium-duty truck market will certainly show positive dynamics, and it will be measured in double digits. In the base version it is forecasted to sell 21.5 thousand of such vehicles (+19% to 2023). In the optimistic scenario, the MCV market may grow even more (+28% to 23 thousand vehicles). Even in the pessimistic version the inevitable growth is forecasted (+10% to 19.8 thousand vehicles).
As for the market of heavy trucks, here, giving forecasts for the year, the expert also voiced three possible scenarios, but all of them, after record sales in 2023, suggest only decline. In the base scenario, sales will be 108 thousand vehicles (-14% by 2023), in the optimistic scenario - 118 thousand (-6%), and in the pessimistic scenario - 95 thousand (-23%). Among the factors slowing down the growth and development of truck market are sanctions on automotive components and spare parts, low level of investment in the automotive industry (only domestic investors are presented, foreign investors are absent), tough credit and leasing сonditions (it is not certain that the Central Bank will lower the high key rate within a year), and a shortage of skilled labour.
Among the drivers of truck market V. Pushkarev named the growing level of freight traffic, both domestic and international; national projects (‘Safe Quality Roads’ and a number of others), for which in 2024 the state has allocated in the budget about 3 trillion rubles; a number of state programs (including the State Program for the development of agriculture and regulation of markets, raw materials and food, recovery and socio-economic development of the DNR, LNR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions) with an allocated budget of 881 billion rubles. In addition, state support of the market is promised this year for car leasing and gas-fueled vehicles (RUB 2 billion and RUB 3 billion, respectively).
 

Passenger car production grew 2.3 times in April​


Passenger car production grew 2.3 times in April

According to Rosstat, 224,000 passenger cars rolled off Russian assembly lines in the first four months of 2024, which is 92.5% higher than the figure for the same period of last year. Meanwhile, 63 thousand cars were produced in April, which is 2.3 times more than a year before. It is worth noting that Kaliningrad-based Avtotor started production of Jetour brand cars in April, and the first model was a compact crossover Dashing.
In addition, Haval plant in Tula region started production of Haval H3 crossover. Production of trucks in January-April totaled 60.3 thousand vehicles, which is 26.6% higher than in the same period last year. In April, 16.9 thousand trucks left the Russian assembly lines, which is 19.7% more than a year before.
 

Bus market may grow within 10% in 2024​


Bus market may grow within 10% in 2024

The bus market in our country is less dependent on market factors than other segments of commercial transport. The growth and renewal of bus fleet is usually closely linked to government and regional programs. In 2024, the market of new buses, which is dependent on these programs, will remain at the level of 2023 or grow slightly. This forecast was made at the specialized conference ‘ComAuto - 2024’ by Viktor Pushkarev, deputy head of analytic department of AUTOSTAT agency.
In the basic version, to which experts are more inclined, 17.2 thousand new buses will be sold in Russia this year, which is 6% more than in 2023. In the optimistic scenario of market development, we are talking about sales of 18 thousand vehicles (+10% to YOY basis). In the pessimistic scenario, the sales of new buses will remain at the level of 2023 (16.3 thousand vehicles).
 

Approximate prices for Volga cars have been announced​


Approximate prices for Volga cars have been announced

The presentation of Volga cars took place in Russia: it is a business sedan Volga C40, which is a redesigned version of Changan Raeton Plus, mid-size crossover Volga K30 (Oshan X5 Plus) and full-size Volga K40 (Changan UNI-Z). Experts interviewed by AUTOSTAT agency named approximate prices for these models.
According to Alexander Kovalev, head of press service of Expocar Group, Volga is likely to be positioned in the middle price range. It is expected that the price for sedan C40 will be in the range of 2.2 - 2.7 million rubles, for the mid-size crossover K30 it will be 2.5 - 3 million rubles, and the full-size crossover K40 is estimated at 3 - 3.6 million rubles.
In turn, Arkady Grigoriev, Head of Marketing and PR Department of BorisHof Group of Companies, believes that price positioning will depend on the extent to which Volga cars will differ from comparable Changan models in terms of adaptation and equipment. Based on the anticipated segments of presence, we can expect a price range of 2.5 to 4 million rubles with deviations in one direction or another.
‘In order to squeeze other manufacturers on the market, it is not enough to have a beautiful name in the arsenal - you will have to “work” with the price. Which, given the higher status of Volga, may be in the range of 2.5 - 3 million rubles. And better - a little less... After all, despite the cheerful statistics figures, the purchasing power of population is low, and the market is showing the first signs of stagnation,’ says Igor Morzharetto, Editor-in-Chief of Radio Avtodor.
 

In April, the share of premium segment in the Russian market fell to its minimum in 2024​


In April, the share of premium segment in the Russian market fell to its minimum in 2024

At the end of April 2024, 15 588 new premium cars were sold in Russia. This was reported by experts of AUTOSTAT agency with reference to the data of JSC PPK* and its own segmentation. Experts note that sales of premium segment cars in April in compare with March fell by 18.4%, while the entire market fell by 6.5%.
In this regard, the share of premium cars for the month decreased from 13% to 11.4%. And this is the minimum indicator in the current year. Recall that in January and February, the premium segment
accounted for 12.2% and 13.1% of total new passenger car sales, respectively. Chinese brands accounted for three quarters of all premium cars sold in April. They form the top three in the premium segment.
The leader is EXEED, whose sales totaled 4,402 vehicles. Second place goes to TANK (2,409 vehicles) and third place to Lixiang (2,238 vehicles). The best among traditional premium brands is still German BMW, whose sales volume in the second month of spring was equal to 1409 vehicles. Chinese Voyah with the result of 957 sold cars completes the top five.
 

90 thousand LADA Largus cars may be produced in 2025​


90 thousand LADA Largus cars may be produced in 2025

AVTOVAZ intends this year to increase the production speed on the assembly line of the enterprise LADA Izhevsk, so that in 2025 about 90 thousand cars LADA Largus could be produced. This was reported to the agency ‘Interfax’ by Vice President of sales and marketing of AVTOVAZ Dmitry Kostromin, adding that in 2024 the company considers a realistic sales scenario of 40 thousand cars of this model. Recall, the plant ‘LADA Izhevsk’ began mass production of LADA Largus cars.
On 15 May passenger station wagon in Classic configuration and commercial van were the first to roll off the assembly line. It is planned to produce up to 50 thousand LADA Largus in Izhevsk by the end of this year, including the electric car e-Largus, the launch of full-scale production of which is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
The start of sales of Largus family will be announced in the near future, the recommended retail price of the car will be from 1 million 660 thousand rubles for the passenger version and 1 million 670 thousand rubles for the commercial van. The cars are equipped with both 8-valve and 16-valve 1.6 litre engines.
 

New GAC GS3 crossover hits dealerships​


New GAC GS3 crossover hits dealerships

GAC dealers in Russia started selling the GAC GS3 compact crossover of 2024 model year. According to the GAC Avtodom press service, the novelty is offered in five configurations. The exterior of the GAC GS3 features a geometric front bumper, as well as an aggressive rear bumper with central tailpipes. The sporty front seats are upholstered in two-tone soft eco-leather, and a 12.3-inch touch-screen multimedia system is integrated into the dashboard., and a 12.3-inch touch-screen multimedia system is integrated into the dashboard. Luggage capacity ranges from 341 to 1,271 litres.
The GAC GS3 compact crossover is built on the GlobaI PIatform ModuIar Architecture (GPMA) platform in collaboration with Toyota specialists. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 170 bhp, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox. The car is equipped with McPherson independent suspension at the front and torsion beam at the rear. It has an average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 km and accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
We should remind that GAC is currently represented in our country by the new generation GS8 crossover and the GAC M8 premium minivan, as well as the new GAC GS3compact crossover. In addition, the GS4 Max crossover is expected to arrive in Russia by the end of 2024.
 

AVTOVAZ starts pre-serial production of the LADA Aura​


AVTOVAZ starts pre-serial production of the LADA Aura

AVTOVAZ confirmed the launch of the LADA Aura pre-serial production. According to Autonews.ru, this information was confirmed by the company's press service, who also stated that the first units of long wheelbase sedans are currently being assembled at the Togliatti plant for AVTOVAZ internal tests. The official launch of the LADA Aura production is scheduled for autumn 2024. Please recall that the new LADA Aura large sedan is based on the Vesta model.
The vehicle has been developed as a car for officials, with the aim of satisfying the needs of state order clients. Furthermore, the car is also suitable as a comfort- and super-comfort class taxi. This is due to the fact that the rear seating area has been extended by 25 cm. The interior is upholstered in genuine leather of Russian production and contains the premium audio system. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a 122 hp 1.8-litre engine and an automatic transmission.
 

11 brands adjust prices for new vehicles in May​


11 brands adjust prices for new vehicles in May

In May 2024, 11 brands officially operating on the Russian market changed car prices. The findings were revealed by the experts at AUTOSTAT agency, who analysed the data from the Price Auto website monitoring. It should be noted that during the first half of the month (from 1 to 15 May), seven brands underwent price adjustments. Five of these brands increased their prices, while two decreased them. However, in the second half of May, price changes were only noted for four brands. Furthermore, the price changes were not uniform across all models or configurations. Some models got cheaper, while others became more expensive.
The Kama Automobile Plant has once again revised the price of the KAMAZ Compass 5. The tilt curtain version rise in price by 70 thousand rubles (+1.5%), while the 'industrial van' and 'tow truck' versions both grew by 105 thousand rubles (+2.3%) and 200 thousand rubles (+4.1%) respectively. Conversely, the chassis and flatbed versions of the model became more affordable by 20 thousand rubles (-0.4%). Concurrently, the isothermal version reduced in price by 100 thousand rubles (-2.1%), while the refrigerator got cheaper by 205 thousand rubles (-4.1%).
Another domestic manufacturer, Evolute, reduced the price of the i-JET electric crossover by 500 thousand rubles (-7.2%). Chinese companies decreased prices of individual models. The top Luxury configuration of the Venucia D60 Plus sedan became 10 thousand rubles cheaper (-0.3%). Furthermore, the Voyah Free electric crossover became 980,000 rubles more affordable (-10.4%).
 

Chinese car sales grow better in the secondary market​


Chinese car sales grow better in the secondary market

According to AUTOSTAT agency, in the first four months of 2024, Russian citizens purchased almost 50,000 Chinese cars with mileage, 52% more than last year, This is the highest growth rate among all participants of the secondary market. In addition to the Chinese brands, domestic brands registered growth in the secondary market (+15%), while the rest declined their sales in the aftermarket.
For instance, during the period under review, the market of used Korean vehicles decreased by 1%, while purchases of American and European vehicles reduced by 8% and 9% respectively. Meanwhile, the Chinese brands' share of the Russian used car market is still comparatively low (approximately 3%). However, there is also evidence that this market is growing (from 2% a year ago), and there is potential for further expansion as Chinese brands become more prominent in the new car sales and enter the secondary market in greater numbers.
The experts of AUTOSTAT agency also observe that approximately 80% of used Chinese cars purchased by Russian residents are from five brands: Chery, Geely, Lifan, Haval and Great Wall. The market leaders are the Chery Tiggo, the Geely Coolray, the Lifan Solano, the Lifan X60 and the Chery Tiggo 7 PRO.
 

The number of Forthing dealers in Russia to increase 1.5 times​


The number of Forthing dealers in Russia to increase 1.5 times

IXEN Motors Rus, the official Russian distributor of the Forthing brand, plans to expand its dealer network, which currently consists of 38 car dealerships in 33 Russian cities. According to IXEN Motors Rus press service, the number of dealerships is expected to reach 60 by the end of 2024. This is made possible by the increased production of Forthing cars at the Avtotor plant and the growing customer demand for them.
IXEN Motors Rus is currently in active negotiations with Major and Obukhov holdings. Forthing dealer centres will also be opened in Naberezhnye Chelny, Kazan and Izhevsk this month. The Forthing model range on the Russian market includes the T5 Evo crossover and the Yacht minivan.
 

Sales of the new Ambertruck SM 12-tonne truck start in Russia​


Sales of the new Ambertruck SM 12-tonne truck start in Russia

TD Komavto, the official distributor of the Ambertruck brand, launched sales of the new Ambertruck SM medium-duty truck. According to the company’s press service, the new truck with a gross vehicle weight of 12 tons will complete the product lineup of Ambertruck commercial vehicles, which is currently represented by the JL, the JM and the SM 5.5 – 12-ton trucks, as well as the Work pickup. The cost of the Ambertruck SM is 4,890,000 rubles. The truck is equipped with a 170 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which works in combination with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Ambertruck SM trucks are available in two variants: the 4,750 mm wheelbase, 7,620 kg payload capacity, 6,200 mm frame length model, or the 5,200 mm wheelbase, 7,592 kg payload capacity, 6,700 mm frame length model. The Ambertruck SM is equipped with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, a multimedia system, park assist, anti-lock brakes system (ABS), etc. The truck's comfortable cabin is designed for the driver and two passengers, and also provides a comfortable sleeping bed with a width of 610 mm.
We should also mention that the new Ambertruck SM, produced at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, was adapted to work in Russian conditions and has increased corrosion resistance, due to a set of measures, including preparation and painting of the frame, application of anti-corrosion and anti-gravel coating, as well as installation of protective film. The driver's cab also undergoes anti-corrosion treatment, which includes a cataphoretic primer, waxing of hidden cavities, sealing of weld seams, mastic on the wheel arches and additional protective film on the bonnet.
 

LADA Vesta sets a historic sales record in May​


LADA Vesta sets a historic sales record in May

AVTOVAZ sold 40,813 LADA cars and light commercial vehicles on the Russian market in May, that is 70.7% more compared to the same period last year. LADA dealers in Russia sold 177,927 cars during the five months of 2024, which is 53.7% more than for the same period last year.
The LADA Granta, which was chosen by 18,023 buyers, (+ 5.8%) remains AVTOVAZ bestseller in May. The second-best-selling model is the LADA Vesta flagship with 15,009 cars sold vs. 167 vehicles a year ago. This is the highest result in the history of this model. Sales of the LADA Niva Travel SUVs amounted to 3,919 units (+14.2%), while the Niva Legend sales reached 3,261 vehicles (+10.7%). Furthermore, it is worth noting that 593 LADA light commercial vehicles were sold last month, representing a 2.1-fold increase compared to May 2023.
As AUTOSTAT previously reported, in May, the LADA Izhevsk plant commenced mass production of the LADA Largus vehicles, which are expected to come on sale shortly. The passenger version will cost 1.66 million rubles, while the commercial van will cost 1.67 million rubles.
 

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