Russia Car Sales Poised to Revive in 2017

Car and light commercial vehicle sales in Russia fell 11% to 1.42 million units last year, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses.

But demand slipped only 1% to 146,700 units in December after double-digit losses through the first nine months. Sales have been shrinking for four years. But this year, the trade group declares, “We expect growth, finally.”

Last month Russia’s three top-sellers reported strong gains. Deliveries jumped for Lada (+18% to 27,600 units), Hyundai (+12% to 14,000) and Renault (+15% to 13,800). Lada’s full-year total of 266,300 units was down only 1% from its result in 2015.