Russia New Vehicle Sales Fall 0.6% in September 2026

Russia's New Vehicle Sales Decline Slightly in September 2026

Russia recorded 134,825 new vehicle sales in September 2026, a 0.6% decrease compared with the same month in 2025, according to SIGMA EXPO Group. Despite the monthly decline, cumulative sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) reached 1,056,423 units during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 5.0% increase over the corresponding period in the previous year. These figures present contrasting trends in the Russian automotive market: September's overall new vehicle volume edged lower year over year, while the broader January–September total continued to show growth. The reported figures cover different periods and vehicle groupings, which should be considered when comparing the results.

September Sales Differ Across Vehicle Categories

Sales performance varied significantly across vehicle categories in Russia during September 2026. Passenger car sales decreased 0.2% year over year to 120,831 units, while light commercial vehicle sales fell 11.8% to 6,459 units. Truck sales declined 2.2% to 4,492 units, and bus sales decreased 8.2% to 887 units. Pickups moved in the opposite direction, with sales increasing 29.6% to 2,156 units. These results show that the modest decline in overall new vehicle sales coincided with different outcomes across individual segments. Pickups recorded the strongest percentage increase among the listed categories, whereas light commercial vehicles experienced the steepest percentage decline.

Russia's Leading Passenger Car Brands Record Mixed Results

The five largest passenger car brands reported different year-over-year sales trends in Russia during September 2026. Lada remained the leading brand among the five listed, recording a 15.1% increase to 30,338 units. Haval sales declined 14.5% to 14,257 units, while TENET recorded a substantial 403.5% increase to 13,443 units. Geely experienced a 33.9% decrease to 6,742 units, and Changan/Chana sales increased 16.6% to 6,658 units. The results illustrate the uneven performance of major brands within the passenger car market. TENET posted the largest percentage increase among the five, while Geely recorded the steepest decline.

Passenger Car Brand Sales in September 2026

January–September Performance Remains Positive

Although Russia's total new vehicle sales declined slightly in September, cumulative sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles reached 1,056,423 units during the first nine months of 2026, up 5.0% from the same period in 2025. This year-to-date increase contrasts with September's 0.6% decline in total new vehicle sales, although the two figures do not cover identical vehicle groupings. The monthly data also show that category-level performance was uneven, with pickups increasing while passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses recorded declines. Taken together, the figures provide a mixed picture of the market through September rather than evidence of uniform growth or contraction across every vehicle category.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Russia's September results highlight the importance of distinguishing overall market performance from individual segment and brand movements. The 5.0% increase in nine-month new car and LCV sales provides a broader growth context, while the monthly declines in several vehicle categories point to uneven near-term momentum. Lada's leading position among the five listed passenger car brands and TENET's sharp percentage increase contrast with declines reported by Haval and Geely. These differences may influence how manufacturers assess their relative market performance, but the figures alone do not establish the causes of individual brands' changes or predict future demand. Subsequent monthly results will help determine whether September's overall decline represents a temporary fluctuation or part of a sustained trend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new vehicles were sold in Russia in September 2026?
Russia recorded 134,825 new vehicle sales in September 2026, representing a 0.6% decrease compared with September 2025, according to SIGMA EXPO Group. The monthly result indicates a slight year-over-year decline in overall new vehicle volume. Performance differed across vehicle categories, with pickups increasing 29.6% to 2,156 units while light commercial vehicle sales fell 11.8% to 6,459 units. Passenger cars, trucks, and buses also recorded declines. These contrasting results show why the overall market figure should be considered alongside individual vehicle-category performance.

How did Russia's new car and LCV sales perform during the first nine months of 2026?
Russia recorded 1,056,423 new car and light commercial vehicle sales during January–September 2026, a 5.0% increase over the same period in 2025. This cumulative growth contrasts with the 0.6% decline in total new vehicle sales reported for September alone. The figures cover different periods and vehicle groupings, so they should not be treated as directly equivalent measurements. Nevertheless, the nine-month data indicate that combined new car and LCV sales remained higher year over year through September, despite the slight monthly decline in the broader new vehicle total.

Which passenger car brand recorded the highest sales in Russia in September 2026?
Lada recorded the highest sales among the five listed passenger car brands in Russia in September 2026, reaching 30,338 units, an increase of 15.1% year over year. Haval followed with 14,257 units despite a 14.5% decline, while TENET recorded 13,443 units after increasing 403.5%. Geely sold 6,742 units, down 33.9%, and Changan/Chana recorded 6,658 units, up 16.6%. These figures compare the five brands identified in the reported data and demonstrate considerable variation in their monthly sales performance.

Which passenger car brand recorded the largest percentage increase?
TENET recorded the largest percentage increase among the five listed passenger car brands in Russia in September 2026, with sales rising 403.5% to 13,443 units. Lada sales increased 15.1% to 30,338 units, while Changan/Chana rose 16.6% to 6,658 units. By comparison, Haval declined 14.5% and Geely fell 33.9%. The figures establish TENET's strongest percentage growth among these brands for the reported month, but they do not explain the reasons behind the increase or indicate whether the same growth rate will continue in subsequent months.

Which Russian vehicle category experienced the steepest decline in September 2026?
Light commercial vehicles recorded the steepest percentage decline among the five listed vehicle categories in Russia in September 2026, with sales falling 11.8% year over year to 6,459 units. Bus sales decreased 8.2% to 887 units, truck sales fell 2.2% to 4,492 units, and passenger car sales declined 0.2% to 120,831 units. Pickups were the exception, increasing 29.6% to 2,156 units. These category-level results show that the overall 0.6% decline in new vehicle sales concealed substantial differences in performance across the market.