Russia’s Auto Sales Rise 13%

Carmakers sold 252,800 passenger and light commercial vehicles in Russia last month compared with 223,800 units in March 11, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses.

The top-selling Lada make reported the only decline among major brands last month, falling 17% to 43,600 vehicles. Sales of Volkswagen's namesake brand more than doubled to 15,100 units. Other brands posting increases included Nissan (+66% to 17,100 units), Hyundai (+30% to 16,300 units), Kia (+25% to 15,100), Renault (+17% to 15,500), Chevrolet (+11% to 15,400) and Toyota (+11% to 14,000).

In the first quarter, sales of cars and light commercial vehicles climbed 19% year over year to 614,300 units.

AEB is maintaining its forecast for 8% growth to 2.8 million vehicles this year. But the group says it may revise the prediction next month.