The number of thefts at the end of 2023 increased by 15 percent, according to analysts from the VSK Insurance House. South Korean cars are still the most popular among car thieves, with the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover leading the way. At the same time, over the past year, the preferences of Russian car thieves have changed noticeably: more Chinese brands have appeared on the list of their “favorite” brands, and Renault, for example, has dropped out of it.
Korean Hyundai and Kia are still at the top of the ranking in terms of the number of thefts, despite the fact that both brands have stopped working in Russia. They account for 31 and 18 percent of thefts, respectively. In 2023, they were joined by VAZ (11 percent of thefts), Mitsubishi, Chinese Chery and Exeed (all with four percent each). Even KamAZ trucks began to be stolen more often—they also accounted for four percent of thefts.
As for models, Hyundai’s favorite among car thieves is the Santa Fe (13 percent of thefts), while Kia’s is the K5 (11 percent). They are followed by Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Palisade (eight percent each) and Lada Granta (seven percent). Chery Tiggo and Exeed TXL are popular among the Chinese, and Mercedes-Benz GLE is popular in the premium segment.
In Moscow, crime has risen sharply: compared to 2022, almost three times as many cars were stolen in the capital. In general, it accounts for more than half of all thefts. The second place is occupied by the Samara region with seven percent of cases. Most often, cars were stolen in May (18 percent).
The shift in the interests of car thieves towards Chinese cars is explained by the increase in their sales and the departure of other brands. Hyundai, on the other hand, remains one of the most stolen vehicles outside of Russia due to a vulnerability that has resulted in serious problems and litigation for the Korean auto giant.
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