Light-Vehicle Sales Jump 18% in Russia

Car and light commercial vehicle sales in Russia surged to 147,500 units in May from 125,000 units in the same month last year, the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses reports.

Demand through the first five months of 2018 climbed 20% to 692,900 vehicles. Sales expanded only 5% in the same period last year.

The Russian market’s top carmakers—especially those from South Korea—all posted hefty gains in May. Sales zoomed for Lada (+14% to 28,700 units), Kia (+29% to 19,600), Hyundai (+33% to 15,900) and Renault (+11% to 12,100).

AEB notes that current sales are being bolstered by a weak ruble. It cautions that the resulting pull-ahead sales could dampen demand later in the year.