Russia’s Auto Sales Climb 10% in September

Carmakers sold 259,600 passenger and light commercial vehicles in Russia last month compared with 235,700 units in September 2011, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses.

In the January-September period, volume rose 14% year over year to 2.19 million vehicles.

The "hot phase" of car sales growth in Russia is over, the AEB says. The group has predicted full-year volume will rise 8% to 2.8 million vehicles.

Most of the country's major automakers posted gains in Russia last month. Lada and Hyundai were the exceptions. Demand fell 1% at both brands to 50,200 vehicles and 15,200 units respectively.

Among Russia's September gainers were Chevrolet (+21% to 18,500 vehicles), Kia (+38% to 16,500 units), Renault (+16% to 14,000 units), Volkswagen (+17% to 14,000 units), Nissan (+9% to 13,700 units), Toyota (+26% to 12,700 units) and Ford (+2% to 11,4000 units).