Car Sales Drop 2% in Russia

July deliveries of cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia slipped to 140,000 units from 143,500 in the same period last year, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

Last month’s decline is the fourth in as many months. Sales through the first seven months of 2019 declined 2% to 968,700 units. AEB says market expectations through year-end are “fundamentally no better.”

July results were mixed for Russia’s top-selling brands. Sales were flat for market leader Lada at 29,500 units. Volumes rose for Kia (+2% to 18,800 units) and Renault (+12% to 11,800).

But demand fell for Hyundai (-4% to 13,800 vehicles), Toyota (-4% to 9,400) and Volkswagen (-3% to 8,300).