OREANDA-NEWS. During the first two months of 2016 sales of LADA cars in Kazakhstan fell by 6.2 times to 1057 units, according to the Association of the Kazakhstan Car Business (Aqaba). As a result, the Russian brand for the first time in many years, lost its leadership in the Kazakhstan car market, behind Toyota, whose results in January and February were 1 384 sold cars (-22.6%). Moreover, Renault company pursues LADA with minimal lag - 1045 cars (-2%).

"The demand for LADA cars in the fourth quarter of 2015 was better than our market expectations. As a result, inventories at dealerships have been exhausted prematurely. This is one side of the issue - President of "Asia Auto", Erik Sagymbaev informed the agency "AUTOSTAT". – “The process of preparing for the launch of assembly of new LADA models on the capacities of "Asia Auto" took longer time than we expected. Here are two factors that have created a situation of temporary deficit of LADA cars in the Kazakhstan market. It found a natural reflection in the sales figures. "

As it was reported previously, due to the introduction in Kazakhstan of scrappage and the registration fees for cars, AvtoVAZ ceased to export finished vehicles in the republic at the beginning of 2016, by retaining only the supply of kits for assembly at the facilities of the Kazakh plant "Asia Auto". At present time the company in Ust-Kamenogorsk produces LADA 4x4 SUV and its urban version Urban, and by the end of the year it plans to start the assembly of all models of AvtoVAZ, including new LADA Vesta and XRAY.

According to Erik Sagymbaev, after the start of Kazakhstan assembly of key models LADA the question about the lack of cars in storage will be removed. "If we do not focus on a short two-three months' distance, then it is easy to ensure that the brand is waiting for strengthening the position. Even in the face of many months of market reduction, the products of AvtoVAZ kept a higher share than in Russia. Last year, holding "BIPEK Auto - Asia Auto" (exclusive importer of AVTOVAZ production) sold in the market of Kazakhstan, more than 24 500 LADA cars, which corresponds to 28% of total sales in the segment of passenger cars ", - said the president of "Asia Auto".

The appearance on the Kazakhstan market of new models LADA Vesta and XRAY will improve this rate, said Eric Sagymbaev. According to him, already for the first month of sales sedan Vesta is among the best-sellers in its segment - in spite of the small scales of supply. "The task of the near future is only to provide the volume of shipment, which is corresponding the market appetites", - said the president of "Asia Auto".