OREANDA-NEWS. According to the Association of European Businesses, sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia by the end of January were down by 29.1% and they were 81,849 vehicles.

As noted in the AEB, January was not the best beginning of the year, which, as it was accepted by all the experts, will again show a negative trend in sales. However, the most of the annual forecasts, including its own forecast of association, have better dynamics than in January. Recall, according to the AEB forecast, in 2016 the Russian car market will be 1.53 million vehicles, which is less by 4.7% than the last year. January has never been a reliable indicator of a trend for the next months of the year, noted in the association. It is hoped that it also applies to 2016, for which the overall expectations remain negative, although not at the same level as it was observed in 2015. The recently announced continuation of government support of the automotive sector in the first half of 2016 – is a positive step in this direction. On the other hand, the continued rise in prices, fueled by very weak ruble, will remain a major challenge on the long road of market recovery.

Leadership in the Russian car market is kept by AVTOVAZ, which sold in January 15577 cars, which is less by 11% than a year ago. Second place in terms of sales was occupied by KIA - sales of 9049 cars (-20%) provided the Korean brand with the leadership in the market of foreign cars. On the third place there is Hyundai with 8010 of sold cars (-37%). Then Toyota follows - cars of this brand were chosen by 6064 buyers (-15%). The top five of leaders is closed by Renault, which sold 5014 cars (-43%). The top 10 of best selling brands in January also included Nissan (4494 units, -51%), Volkswagen (4425 units, -28%), Skoda (3556 units, -31%), Mercedes-Benz (3205 units, + 1%) and Ford (2258 units, + 25%).