Car Sales Rise 9% in Russia

Deliveries of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia rose 9% to 137,900 units in March, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

It was the Russian car market’s first monthly year-on-year gain since modest increases last November and in February 2013. Last month’s result also generated 1% growth for January-March, marking the country’s first positive quarter in more than four years.

Russia’s top four carmakers, which account for nearly half the market, all posted hefty gains in March. Sales jumped for Lada (+13% to 25,100 units), Kia (+18% to 14,600), Hyundai (+29% to 14,200), and Renault (+19% to 11,300).