Sales of new light vehicles in Russia grew 15% in August, according to the Association of European Businesses (AEB).
Some 258,761 units were sold in August as the Russian vehicle market continued its recovery.
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From January to August, sales of light vehicles in Russia stand at 1,928,216 units, some 14% ahead of last year.
Joerg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee, said that August was a good month, “despite recent hikes in household utility costs, and a widespread expectation among consumers that prices of imported cars would drop following WTO entry.”
“Now, with that uncertainty removed from the customer’s mind, and the traditionally strong autumn season just beginning, we have all reason to remain optimistic for continued sales momentum in the remaining months of the year,” he added.
Market leader AvtoVAZ has struggled this year. Its Lada brand managed first eight months’ sales of 348,974 units, 11% down on last year. Gains were made by foreign brands, most notably Chevrolet, Renault, Kia, Hyundai and VW.
Russia light vehicle sales – Top 10 brands, Jan-Aug 2012 sales (%ch)
1. Lada 348,974 (-11%)
2. Chevrolet 135,497 (+21%)
3. Renault 124,517 (+25%)
4. Kia 124,133 (+24%)
5. Hyundai 116,868 (+18%)
6. Volkswagen 108,933 (+63%)
7. Nissan 105,264 (+29%)
8. Toyota 105,114 (+39%)
9. Ford 84,477 (+19%)
10. Skoda 63,006 (+44%)
