Car Sales Rise 2% in Russia

Retail sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia climbed 2% to 160,200 units in March, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

The increase helped offset a 4% drop in February, leaving sales through the first three months of 2019 at 391,700 units, down 1,300 vehicles from the first quarter of 2018.

March sales for Russia’s top four sellers were mixed. Volume rose for Lada (+10% to 33,800 units) and Kia (+2% to 19,600). But delivers fell for Hyundai (-2% to 16,300 cars) and Renault (-7% to 13,100).

AEB says the tiny shifts in monthly sales indicate the Russian car market is “looking for a firm direction.” The group notes that results reflect a new round of government subsidies for lower-priced models that took effect last month.