Sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia fell 34% year on year to 165,862 units in January–February, according to the Association of European Businesses. February sales dropped 32% to 91,922.
Martin Jahn, deputy chairman of the AEB’s automobile manufacturers committee, said the association hoped the government’s scrappage programme, launched on Monday, will revive sales.
AvtoVAZ, Russia’s largest carmaker, sold 37,455 Ladas in January and February, down 36% year on year, while sales by GAZ decreased 7% to 6,417 units.
Of the foreign makers only Kia rose, up 27% to 10,580 units. Parent Hyundai’s volume fell 22% to 11,821 units over the two months, Chevrolet was off 47% to 11,169.
Renault decreased 2% to 8,505 units, Ford was down 60% to 7,376 units and Toyota fell 47% to 7,365 units.
