Country Overview with 45 million people and a density of 76/km2. Ukraine has an average income of $ 6.762 in the 2010 (Russia was at $ 15.633) and the economy suffered in the 2008 crisis more than Russia. The 2010 GDP at $ 305 billion was 11.2 pct. lower than 2008.
The automotive sector was dramatically hit by the crisis. The light passenger industry in 2008 had achieved its record at 610.200 registrations and in 2009 dropped by an unbelievable 72 pct. at 175.200, a volume lower than 2003. In the 2010 the market was stable (full year at 170.000).
The Ukraine light passenger vehicles market has taken a negative trend, as confirmed by the March loss of 17.5% with the first quarter ended down a 17.7%. While Chinese Geely posted the best ever quarter, the Russian Lada did its worst.
In the 2012 the Ukraine light passenger vehicles market grew 25.3% from the previous year. In December, sales were up 8.0% posting the 3rd increase in a row. Hyundai outpaced Lada as market leader, while Volkswagen, Kia & Geely were the winners of the year.
In November 2012, the Ukraine light passenger vehicles market grew 19.1% from last year confirming the positive trends. Year-to-date sales were up 28.3% from last year. Volkswagen in 3rd position posted an outstanding performance with share at 8.1%, very close to Lada.
September was slightly down, breaking a long series of growth and in October the Ukraine light passenger vehicles market started to grow again posting an impressive 40.2% increase. Year-to-date October was up 28.3% from last year.
Following 31 year-on-year growing months in a string, the Ukrainian car market fell 1.4% in September, with 22.036 sales. Year-to-date sales were 189.751, up 26.9%. Hyundai confirmed its recent leadership on the market.
The Ukraine car market momentum was confirmed in August with the 20th consecutive YoY increase and 23.238 sales, up 15.4% from last year. Year-to-date August sales were 167.715, up 31.8%. Hyundai outpaced Lada becoming market leader.
The Ukraine car market is on the road to recovery after the severe 71% drop suffered in 2009. Year to date April sales were up by 38% from last year. Domestic producers are losing volume and share and Hyundai is the candidate to become market leader.
During the 2011 the Ukraine car market recovered after sharp decline in the period 2009/2010 and posted 210.000 registrations, a 23% increase over previous year. However, current level is over70% down from 2008 all-time record volume, at 696.900 units.