Moskvich Revival: In a surprising turn of events, Russia’s classic Moskvich car has secured a spot in the country’s top 10 best-selling brands for the first time, marking a resurgence in the automotive market. November witnessed a remarkable 113% YoY increase in new car sales, reaching 109,706 vehicles, signaling a recovery from the setbacks caused by sanctions and the exit of Western carmakers in 2022.
The revival of Moskvich production, initiated this year in a Moscow plant, played a pivotal role in this comeback. Acquired by the Russian state from Renault last year for a symbolic one rouble, the Moskvich 3 model is reportedly based on the JAC Sehol X4, assembled in Moscow using kits from a Chinese partner.
Also Read: Russia Shifting Auto Landscape: A Boost for Chinese and Domestic Brands
Claiming the ninth spot in the November best-sellers list, Moskvich sold 1,910 units, capturing a 1.7% market share. From January to November, a total of 10,676 Moskvich cars found buyers. Lada secured the top position in November with 32,651 cars sold, holding a substantial market share of 29.8%. The departure of European and Japanese brands has paved the way for Chinese cars to dominate other positions on the list.
Chinese cars, comprising over 56% of the market, appear to have reached their peak, signaling a shift as Russia’s domestic production bounces back post the exodus of Western automakers. Autostat data reveals a robust performance in the Russian automotive sector, with nearly 939,254 new passenger cars sold in the first 11 months of the year, marking an impressive YoY increase of almost 65%.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Moskvich coming back?
Kamaz (KMAZ.MM) has announced that the initial Moskvich cars will be produced in December 2022. The Western sanctions imposed due to Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine have not only restricted access to foreign-made components but also led to the departure of foreign manufacturers.
What is the latest model of the Moskvich?
The Moskvitch 3, a compact crossover, has been available in Russia since 2022. It is a rebadged version of the Sehol X4 by JAC Motors, produced using semi knock-down kits in cooperation with Russian lorry and engine manufacturer Kamaz.
What does the word Moskvich mean?
The term moskvich (Russian: ???????) refers to a person from Moscow, and was used to indicate the origin of the cars produced there.
What is the most popular car brand in Russia?
In November, Lada, the most sought-after car in Russia, dominated the market by selling 32,651 cars and securing a 29.8% market share. The remaining spots on the list were taken by Chinese cars, which replaced the European and Japanese brands that had previously held those positions.