Car sales in Ukraine hit the record in Nov. 2007

November car sales in Ukraine hit absolute record – around 58 000 new cars, hiking 83% from the previous year. Furthermore, cars were sold out 1,2% faster than the previous month, which proved to be very prolific. The data was received from the research carried out by the analytical AUTO-Consulting group.

Experts say that such impetuous dynamics of the market was caused by favourable terms of cars purchase, special discount campaigns by some operators, and liberal terms of auto loans. Analysts claim that the total amount of cars sold in 2007 may be equal to 540,000, providing nothing hampers the growth of car sales this month.

There are dramatical changes in the leading group which, according to experts, is the evidence of intensity of emotions on the market. The results of research show that AvtoVAZ company continues to head the group with 24,6% of the market share. However, compared with the previous month’s result (26,4%) the performance of the company is a bit worse, but it’s evident that AvtoVAZ managed to overcome the crisis at the beginning of the year. At the same time Daewoo lost about 1% of the market share, entailed by systematic substitution of Daewoo Sens by ZAZ Lanos 1,4. As a result, ZAZ continues to grow its presence on the market even after Tavria’s withdrawal from the market, catching up with Chevrolet.

Mitsubishi confidently occupies the 5th place, with the sales being limited by quota arrangement of the popular Lancer X and Outlander XL models. Hyundai systematically increases its presence. Currently it has 5% of the market share and the gap between Hyundai and Mitsubishi is decreasing. The Chinese Chery also increased its popularity, having been chosen by 2,7 thousand of Ukrainians, the report says.

Skoda, having cut prices and transferred them into USD started to regain its former positions, as expected – moved 2 positions up of the top-10 car brands. “All the company had to do is to announce the price cut, when its dealership became flung with people”, experts say.

Toyota holds the 9th position only, remaining unchanged from the previous month. Analysts state that Toyota cars were in scares supply on the grey market. Kia lost 2 positions, which was entailed by competitors` activation on one part and scares supply of the popular models on the other.

Intense competition is observed among the premium-brand dealers in November. The fact is that Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz opened their dealerships in the very centre of Kyiv in a foot range. Infinity launched its first official dealership, which became the largest one among the premium-brand dealerships.

The premium-brand market is headed by Lexus, but Mercedes-Benz is exceedingly close to it. “New boutique opening, a number of marketing campaigns, struggle with “grey” car dealers and discounts for popular models enabled Mercedes-Benz to go for the number 1 premium-sector title”, experts say.

Acura turned to be a real startler of the month, ranking number 4 position in the premium-brand sector, even having beaten Audi. Analysts say that Honda should seriously consider the possibility of making Acura an official direction on the market.

Land Rover and Volvo increased their popularity in November too. “Range Rover Sport has become not just a popular, but a fashionable model, while Volvo successfully introduced the new XC70 model to the market, which is in great demand”, report says.

December has a series of special offers in sore, the majority of which have been made public. This month is believed to be the most successful in the history of Ukrainian car market, providing there are no hitches.

We remind that imported vehicles in Ukraine comprise $4,9 billion in the year 2006. Preliminary forecasts say that the export of vehicles will rise by 26% and import – by 33% in 2007. Ukraine’s vehicle fleet is expected to increase up till 7,8 million units, 6,5 million of which will be light vehicle.