Sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia continue to decrease

• Sales of new passenger cars and LCVs in Russia decreased by 51% in the first eight months of 2009 and by 54% in August 2009

• Among the top 10 bestselling models so far this year, seven are locally produced

• AEB AMC’s forecast for the Russian car market in 2009 has been reduced to 1,4 million vehicles

The first eight months of 2009 saw sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia decrease by 51% compared with the same period in 2008, or by 1,013,335 less sold units, according to the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee (AEB AMC).

Decrease for August 2009 amounted to 54% or 131,280 less sold units as compared with the same period of 2008.

Among the top ten bestselling models of passenger cars so far this year, seven are produced in Russia.

“In August the market maintained a similar downward trend compared to the previous few months showing that recent government actions have only stabilised the market rather than having reversed the trend. It's encouraging to see the recent developments aimed at introducing a scrappage scheme to Russia but would I urge the government to make this applicable to all car manufacturers not just those producing in Russia. The possible extension of the increase in import duties that were introduced at the beginning of 2009 would be disappointing as it will not help in increasing the industry volume for the remainder of 2009”, commented David THOMAS, AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee’s Chairman.

Martin JAHN, Vice Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee goes on to say, “Due to a continuous decrease in sales the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee has revised its earlier industry forecast for the new passenger cars and LCVs market in 2009 down to 1,4 million units. However, we see some signs of stabilization in the market and hopefully will not have to review these figures again.”

Source: AEB – Sept 8, 2009