Russia's AvtoVAZ, traditionally the country's largest carmaker and holder of the top sales position for individual models as well, took a hit last month after its Lada brand's Granta model was outsold by the Kia Rio. Although Russia is going through a huge auto sales crisis, according to the automaker, majority controlled by the French-Japanese Renault Nissan alliance, blamed the slip on supplier trouble and not the slumping demand.