Car Sales Fall 13% in Russia

Russia’s market for cars and light-duty commercial vehicles shrank 13% to 111,100 vehicles in February, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

The trade group notes that last month’s decline represents the market’s mildest loss in 14 months. Sales through the first two months of 2016 plunged 21% to 193,100 vehicles.

February sales fell for five of Russia’s top six brands. Volume dropped for Lada (-19% to 19,000 vehicles), Kia (-9% to 11,500), Hyundai (-21% to 10,500), Renault (-3% to 8,800) and Nissan (-23% to 7,300). Toyota’s sales for the month rose 11% to 8,000 vehicles.

Last month’s big gainers were Ford (+144% to 3,400 vehicles), Lexus (+83% to 1,500), Lifan (+45% to 1,000) and Suzuki (+48% to 600), according to AEB.