In July 2016, sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia decreased by 16,6% compared to July 2015 or by 21,742 sold units, and amounted to 109 410 cars, according to the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee. In January-July 781,605 cars were sold, 14.4 less than during the same period of 2015.
“Like it or not, but the market as a whole is still nowhere near the shape needed to at least consolidate at last year’s modest level. Despite stable prices, high purchase incentives and continuing government support the basic problem is that there are only so many customers out there able or willing to spend money on a new car right now. Long-term demand however remains high and is in fact building up as purchase decisions are being postponed. It is just a matter of time for this demand to be unlocked; only not so clear is for how much longer we have to wait to see the turnaround”, commented Joerg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee.
Lada, the leader of the Russian car market, demonstrated a 4% increase in sales. KIA and Hyundai, which rate the second and the third, saw their sales decline 11% and 12% respectively. Renault, the fourth in the rating, lost 8% year-on-year, while the sales of Toyta, which rates the fifth, dropped 26%.
Among the brands that increased their sales the most in July were Alfa Romeo (up 6 times), Smart (up 2.2 time), Jaguar (up 2 times) and Volkswagen commercial vehicles (+50%).
The brands that saw the most significant drop were SsangYong (-98%), Changan (-85%), Geely (-80%), Honda (-74%), BAW (-68%), Chevrolet (-59%), FIAT (-58%), Suzuki (-58%), Iveco (-55%), Peugeot (-54%), Mercedez Benz кcommercial vehicles (-48%), and Mitsubishi (-46%).
Besides, in June Daewoo suspended sales in Russia, and in July Ravon car sales started.