MOSCOW (Realist English). The Russian car market rose to second place among Europe’s largest auto markets in August, according to the analytical agency Autostat, citing data from consulting firm GlobalData.
In July, the country was in fifth place, but within a month Russia overtook France, the UK, Italy and Spain.
Germany remained the leader with 212,563 vehicles (+2.6% year-on-year). Russia’s figure was 114,285 vehicles (–6.5%). France took third place with 94,351 vehicles (+7.4%), and the UK fourth with 94,236 (+13.7%). Italy rounded out the top five with 69,411 (+3.2%), while Spain, with 68,544 vehicles (+11.8%), came sixth.
August Decline Did Not Prevent the Leap
Notably, Russia was the only major European auto market in the top five to show negative dynamics in August — sales fell 6.5% compared with August 2025.
As Dmitry Yarygin, head of strategic projects at Autostat, explained, this did not prevent Russia from taking second place, since the last month of summer in Europe is traditionally characterised by low consumer activity due to the holiday season.
In July, the picture was different: Germany remained the leader with 268,100 vehicles (+12%), the UK was second with 156,000, and Russia only closed the top five with 122,100 vehicles.
| Country | August 2026, units | Change, % |
| Germany | 212,563 | +2.6% |
| Russia | 114,285 | –6.5% |
| France | 94,351 | +7.4% |
| United Kingdom | 94,236 | +13.7% |
| Italy | 69,411 | +3.2% |
| Spain | 68,544 | +11.8% |
Experts: The Leap Is Temporary, Russia Will Fall by Year-End
Auto expert Igor Morzharetto, in a comment to NSN, called Russia’s rise to second place a “temporary spurt.” According to him, the traditionally low level of sales in Europe in August, when many businesses send employees on holiday, coincided with favourable conditions for the Russian market. “In summer, the euro and dollar exchange rates were still favourable, so prices were better,” the expert noted.
Morzharetto also warned that by the end of the year Russia will likely be in fifth or sixth place in Europe. In his estimation, at best the country will repeat last year’s result of 1.3 million sales.
“The problem is that prices will rise again in January. We have a monstrous recycling fee, and all taxes and tariffs make up to 50% of the car’s price,” he stressed.
Eight-Month Results and Prospects
Despite the August decline, in the first eight months of 2026, new car sales in Russia increased by 9.3% to 845,000 units. Earlier, the Association of European Businesses (AEB) forecast market growth of 2.5% in 2026 to 1.4 million cars. However, experts warn that in the coming years the Russian auto market will develop slowly and with losses.
Demand for cars from brands that have left Russia remains traditionally high. As Morzharetto noted, European, Japanese and Korean brands are supplied to Russia through China and the parallel import system. “Logistics channels have been established quite well in recent years — the wait does not exceed three months even for less popular brands,” the expert added.
