Vehicle Sales Fall 6% in Russia

Demand for new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia dropped to 152,700 units in January from 162,100 a year earlier, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses.

Results by brand were mixed. Half the top 10 marques reported shrinkage, led by the two best-selling brands: Lada (-21% to 23,600 units) and Renault (-13% to 12,900).

But others on the top-10 list posted equally impressive sales gains. Nissan's volume jumped 24% to 11,100 units, Toyota expanded 21% to 8,300, and Mitsubishi climbed 25% to 5,000.

AEB notes that the slump followed an unusually strong December, when Russians were eager to buy before a government incentive program expired. The group says February results will be a better indicator of where the market is headed in 2014.