In the first six months of 2008, more cars have been sold in Russia than in Germany, the “pillar” of the European car market. According to data revealed in a PricewaterhouseCoopers study, from January to June in Russia 1.645 million cars were sold: a huge 41 percent increase on the same period in 2007. This enables Russia to overtake Germany in the car market, the latter have stopped at a quota of 1.63 million and with a much more modest growth of 3.6 percent.

In Italy 1.259 million cars have been sold in the first semester of 2008, equal to a decline of 11.45 percent. If the trend continues, as is most likely, in the second half of the year, Russia will become number one in the European market, and much earlier than the previously anticipated 2011.

Russia seems to not be feeling the general economic crisis gripping other parts of the world. Large foreign manufacturers are reaping the most benefit with General Motors, Hyundai and Ford leading the field. Most sold models include the Focus, Chevrolet Lacetti and teh Dacia-Renault Logan. Luxury cars are also taking hold, such that BMW presented its new Series 7 in Moscow, enclosed in a giant hourglass. Audi has also for many years enjoyed success in the Russian market, while the Mercedes S is also appreciated.

Via | Quattroruote

(no votes)

0 comments