Russian car sales rise 15% in August
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Sales of cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia grew 15 percent year-on-year in August to 258,761 units, which was a record for the month, the Association of European Businesses said in a statement.
In July, also a record month, deliveries were up 14 percent compared with 2011 figures.
In the first eight months, sales rose 14 percent to 1.92 million, behind Europe's biggest market Germany, which sold 2.1 million in the same period, according to data from the German Association of Motor Vehicle Importers (VDIK).
Analysts expect Russia to pass Germany as Europe's No. 1 market as early as 2014. The AEB forecasts that 2.85 million vehicles will be sold in Russia this year, which would be an increase of about 8 percent from the previous year.
Chinese manufacturers continued to make gains in the Russian market. Sales of Geely vehicles rose 334 percent last month, while Chery sales rose 247 percent and Great Wall deliveries by 158 percent.
AvtoVAZ's Lada remained the country's top-selling brand last month, as sales of the Russian marque grew by 208 cars over the previous year. No. 2 Chevrolet increased sales 39 percent for the month and third-ranked Renault grew by 4 percent. (See PDF of Russia sales results, below)
You can reach David Jolley at djolley@crain.com.
