According to the Association of European Businesses, the sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia grew 11.9% to 1,595,737 cars in 2017.
In December 2017, 20,348 units were sold, 14% more than in December 2016.
«December sales dynamics stayed in tune with the preceding months, by improving at a two-digit pace compared to the same month one year ago. Thus, despite a weak start in January and February, full year sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia improved by 11.9% year-on-year, to a level of 1.596 million units. The market has a long way to go return to its former strength, but a first and important step in the right direction has been made», Joerg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee commented.
Lada, which remains the leader of the Russian car market, saw its sales grow 18% year-on-year in December. Hyundai mover up to the second place in the rating increasing sales 7%. Renault rates the third with a 6% growth. KIA slided down to the fourth line, its sales steady on the December 2016 level. Toyota rated the fifth with its sales growing 4%, replacing Volkswagen, which was the fifth in November.
The brands that saw their sales increase the most were Genesis (up 7.6-fold), Zotye (up 5.2-fold), Foton (up 4.2-fold), Ravon (up 4.2-fold), Changan (up 3.6-fold), DFM (up 3.1-fold), Mitsubishi (up 2.9-fold), Suzuki (up 2.5-fold) and Chery (up 2.1-fold). Others saw their volumes decline significantly like Chrysler (-50%), Smart (-43%), Geely (-23%), FAW (-21%), and Isuzu (-20%).