Car Sales Jump 25% in Russia

Sales of cars and light-duty commercial vehicles in Russia soared to 133,200 units last month from 106,800 units in February 2017, the Assn. of European Businesses reports.

The 25% surge saw double-digit increases for most of the country’s biggest sellers. Gains were led by market leaders Lada (+37% to 27,400 units), Kia (+44% to 17,800) and, Hyundai (+43% to 13,400).

Sales are up 27% through the first two months of 2018. The Russian market began recovering 12 months ago, ending four years of shrinkage that saw annual sales plummet from 2.94 million in 2012 to 1.43 million in 2016.​​

AEB predicts a slowdown in year-on-year growth beginning this month as sales begin to compare with revived monthly volumes in 2017.​​​​​