Experts from the Institute for Automotive Market Research analyzed vehicle registration statistics in Ukraine and identified the most popular models in three bus segments: used import, domestic resale, and new purchase.
Bus market dynamics
During September 2025, Ukrainian carriers purchased 507 new and used buses. This is 16.1% less compared to August of this year, and 26.8% less compared to September 2024.
By individual subsegments, the comparative dynamics of bus sales is as follows:
- Domestic resales: −21.0% MM, −41.4% YY
- Used imports: −5.7% MM, 36.1% YY
- New imports: −27.3% MM, 60.0% YY
- Made in Ukraine: −5.3% MM, −0.9% YY
Most of the buses were purchased on the domestic market : 301 units, which amounted to 59.4% of the total number.
16.4% of used buses, or 83 units, were brought from abroad.
Also last month, 123 new buses were registered for the first time: 107 of these were manufactured or re-equipped in Ukraine ( 21.1% ), the remaining 16 units (3.2%) arrived from abroad.
The most popular buses on the domestic market
The domestic market of used buses shows a clear dominance of small and medium classes, which are the basis for suburban and urban transportation. The leadership, as expected, is held by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which, due to its reliability, versatility and high liquidity, has become an absolute standard. However, it is immediately followed by representatives of domestic production: BAZ A079 Etalon and Bogdan/Ataman A-092. This indicates that, despite the emergence of new models, owners are actively reselling these reliable, familiar and easy-to-maintain cars, which have long become a common occurrence on our roads.
At the bottom of the ranking, there is a high demand for European light-duty chassis, which are often used for small minibuses or tourist transportation. These are models such as the older Mercedes-Benz T1/T2, as well as the Volkswagen LT and Volkswagen Crafter, which provide the necessary flexibility in transportation. Interestingly, even such a compact model as the Ruta 25 confidently holds the top spot, confirming the demand for budget city solutions. And the appearance of the tourist giant Neoplan Cityliner in this ranking suggests that domestic circulation also covers the large class, although in very limited quantities.
The most popular used buses imported from abroad
The used bus import market, on the contrary, is focused on replenishing the fleet with premium and specialized vehicles. The absolute leader in imports is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which confirms its versatility: it is imported both for conversion and for ready-made route solutions. It is immediately followed by its direct competitors in the small class, in particular the Volkswagen Crafter and Iveco Daily, which form a stable flow of light-duty vehicles from Europe.
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However, the most noticeable feature of this rating is the dominance of the European tourist and large classes. Here are presented several models from the Dutch conglomerate VDL/Bova ( Ambassador and Futura ), as well as a whole "quartet" from the Belgian manufacturer Van Hool ( Astromega, Altano, Acron ). This indicates that companies are actively updating their intercity and tourist fleet, choosing proven European models. Also noticeable is the presence of the compact Czech bus SOR CN 8.5, which is imported as a maneuverable and economical solution for regional routes.
The most popular new buses
The market for new buses is almost completely monopolized by domestic manufacturers, which is natural for this segment. The clear leaders are ZAZ A08 I-VAN, which has become the new favorite of carriers, and its main competitors are BAZ A081 Etalon and a whole range of Bogdan/Ataman models ( A-221, A-093, A-092 ). Such a high concentration of Ukrainian brands is explained by their compliance with specific tender requirements and conditions for participation in fleet renewal programs, where preference is given to a local manufacturer.
While price and ease of maintenance are certainly important, carriers understand that the reliability and resource of these machines are often compromised by the use of low-cost foreign units (such as engines or even entire chassis from India or China). Thus, the new bus market is a choice dictated more by administrative necessity and minimizing initial investments than by the pursuit of long-term operational benefits.
The only significant "foreign" inclusions here are the Ford Transit, which, like its competitors, is used as a base for small-capacity taxis. Other foreign models, such as the Troliga Pegasus, Olmedo Top Trim or JAC Sunray, are present only in minimal quantities, often thanks to one-off contracts or specialized orders.
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