August Car Sales in Russia Climb 11%

Sales of passenger and light commercial vehicles in Russia rose 11% to 147,400 units in August, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

All the top sellers reported gains, led by Lada (+9% to 28,700 units), Kia (+25% to 18,900), Hyundai (+4% to 14,000) and Renault (+3% to 11,500).

Sales through the first eight months of 2018 jumped 16% to 1.14 million vehicles, according to AEB. The group predicts continued sales growth through the remainder of the year, buoyed by a weaker ruble and the pull-ahead effect of an impending tax increase in January.