Car sales and light commercial vehicle sales in Russia fell by 5.7pc in March to 148,676 units from the prior-year period. March 2020 marked the strongest performing month last year, notes AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee (AEB AMC) in its data released on April 6.
In the first quarter of 2021, sales of new cars and commercial vehicles sales stood at 387,322 units, down by 2.8pc from Q1 2020. Around 21,263 light commercial vehicles were sold, 183,266 SUVs were sold, 1,784 units of Pick-ups, and 204 units of electric vehicles in Q1 2021.
After March last year, a lockdown was announced in Russia, impacting sales. The association states the upcoming months would demonstrate significant growth over the last year when the COVID-19 pandemic severely injured the auto sector.
AEB MAC said a hike in auto prices slightly dented demand. Uncertainty coupled with an increase in auto prices resulted in a dip in auto sales in the previous month.
Top 5 car manufacturers
Avtovaz (Lada) sold most cars in March – 33,779 units, 3pc higher than last year. Kia came in second with 20,057 units, a modest growth of 1pc from the previous year. Hyundai sold 15,332 units and reported a drop of 3pc from the preceding year. Renault relatively witnessed a severe fall of 15pc and sold 11,659 units from March 2020. Toyota sales dipped 18pc to 10,278 units in March compared to 2020.