Car Sales in Russia Fell 5% Last Year

Sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia rose 4% to 264,300 units in December, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses. But full-year sales dropped to 2.78 million from 2.94 million in 2012.

AEB says last month's sales surge was probably prompted by unusually mild weather and the expiration at year-end of a car loan subsidy.

Lada outsold second-place Renault two to one, even though its annual sales fell 15% (to 456,300 units) as the French brand's volume jumped 11% (to 210,100).

Only one other European brand Skoda (-12% to 87,500 units) made the list of the country's top 10 sellers.

All mid-market European brands posted lower volumes last year. But luxury brands did well with increases for Audi (+8% to 36,200), BMW (+12% to 42,100), Land Rover (+10% to 21,000), Porsche (+5% to 3,800) and Jaguar (+14% to 1,700).