The collapse in sales of Russian Lada would have been even more severe if the Ukrainian authorities had introduced special duties and a recycling fee from the very beginning of the year. However, efforts to protect the interests of Ukrautoprom have significantly hit all players in the automotive market.
Among the entire top ten leaders, only Chinese Geely managed to noticeably increase sales, showing a growth of 35.8% compared to 2012.
The second Chinese brand, BYD, also demonstrated significant growth — plus 143.9%. However, the total sales volume of 1.89 thousand cars allowed it to take only the 27th place. Ford also maintained positive dynamics, adding 4.7% and closing the top ten with a result of 10,721 cars sold.
Even domestic ZAZ, which received considerable resources for support, ended 2013 with a decline in new car sales of 2.3%. Nevertheless, it managed to hold the second position with 17,709 cars sold.
The first place remained with Hyundai — 18,001 cars sold, although the brand's losses amounted to 21.3% compared to 2012, when 22.87 thousand cars were sold. In 2013, Geely rose to the third position, increasing sales from 12,099 units in 2012 to 16,436 cars.
Toyota also performed well, selling 15,436 cars and losing only 1.7% (274 cars) compared to 2012. It took the fourth place in the ranking, and the maintenance of high sales was largely facilitated by the state order, which we have already mentioned earlier.
In the end, it can be stated that the government measures to protect the domestic automotive industry have not yet brought a tangible effect.
