Russia has resumed the fall in car sales – RBC

At the end of July 2015, Russia renewed drop in sales of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCV). If the first month of this summer in the country have been sold around 140 thousand. Machines (in May sales totaled about 126 thousand), for the second – only 131 thous., Or about 6.5% less, it follows from the statistics of the Association of European Businesses (AEB ).

VTB analyst Vladimir Bespalov said that the July decline in sales compared with the previous months is due to the traditional seasonal factor, in August, the number of sold cars has reduced.

The annualized rate of decline in sales slowed somewhat. In March 2015 the car market shrank at an annualized rate of 42.5% in April – 41.5%, in May – 37.7%, and in June – by 29.7%, in July – only 27.5%. However, the main reason for the fall of the current slowdown in sales in the AEB called a sharp decline in demand for cars, which took place last year.

«After a total loss of 36% of the volume in the first half of the year results in July with a minus of 27.5% almost looks as good news. In fact, what we see – is the result of a low base in the corresponding period last year. The fundamental behavior of the automotive market continues to disappoint, even though it takes place in an unstable economy and falling incomes of consumers, “- he said the chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee Joerg Schreiber.

According to him, government support measures helped to prevent an even greater drop in car sales, but in order to “reverse the trend in the opposite direction”, their action should be “significantly strengthened».

Vladimir Bespalov believes that by the end 2015 drop in sales in the automotive market, compared with Year 2014 could reach 25% -30%. Although, due to the sharp devaluation of the ruble in the autumn of manufacturers may begin to raise prices, which had a negative impact on demand, the expert says.

In January – July 2015, Russia has sold about 913 thousand. Cars. For comparison, in the first seven months of 2014 sales totaled 1.41 million vehicles. Thus, the decline in seven months amounted to 35,3%.

The leader of the Russian car market in July 2015 was AvtoVAZ, but sales of cars Lada, as calculated by AEB, fell at an annual rate of 25%. Total in July, the Russians bought 20 thousand. 944 Lada cars to 28 thousand. Cars in July 2014.

The second place in July 2015 were machines under the brand Kia, which in the past month were sold in Russia 13 thousand . 346 units (13% less than the year before). Completing the top three cars Hyundai’s result of 12 thousand. 251 (-15%).

Sales of the two other members of the top 5 in annual terms also fell: from Renault they decreased by 35% (up to 9917), and at Toyota – 28% (up to 9604).

The main outsiders of the month brands such as Great Wall (-79%), SsangYong (-76%), Jeep (-74%), Citroen ( -68%), Peugeot (-60%) and Opel (-54%). Chevrolet sales decreased by 26%.

Recall that in March 2015, GM announced that it controlled the Opel brand will leave Russia completely, and leave only Chevrolet premium model Corvette, Tahoe and Camaro.

decline in sales were noted and other major car brands: Nissan – 43% (9 thousand. 136 to 5207), Skoda – by 41% (from 7064 to 4185), Volkswagen – by 34% (from 9 thousand. until 5937) and so on.

could boost sales Smart (+ 43%), Lexus (+ 5%), Porsche (+ 19%) and UAZ, which showed an increase of 71% (5129 instead of 3002 cars ).

The status of the main bestselling Russian car market at the end of July 2015 again won the Hyundai Solaris, increase sales at an annual rate of 4.8% and drove the first place Lada Granta (-23%). As a result, Lada Granta immediately fell to third place, behind even Kia New Rio, which boosted sales to 6.85 thousand. To about 9.15 ths. Cars.