Vehicle Sales Jump 19% in Russia

Demand for cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia surged 19% year-on-year to 129,700 units in July, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses.

The increase marks the third consecutive month of double-digit increases. The Russian car market had been in sharp decline since the end of 2012, with volume plunging from an all-time record 2.65 million units that year to 1.60 million in 2016. Sales so far this year are up 9%.

July saw double-digit sales gains for each of Russia’s top 10 brands. Growth was led by Lada (+22% to 26,500 units), Kia (+37% to 16,200), Hyundai (+11% to 12,000) and Renault (+20% to 11,000).

Results last month were more subdued and mixed among luxury brands. AEB reports that sales performance among the most popular makes ranged from a 12% gain to 2,400 units for BMW to a 23% drop to 1,300 cars for Audi.