Dacia’s Duster, Logan and Sandero, manufactured by Renault, are among the top 25 best-selling models in Russia, according to data released on Friday by Moscow-based Association of European Businesses in Russia (AEB), Automotive News Europe reported on Friday.
New-car registrations in Russia increased 15 percent in May, to 124,990 vehicles, the third consecutive month of higher sales after years of poor sales due to US and EU sanctions.
The increase in sales is a sign that the market is beginning to emerge from a four-year downturn. Five-month sales are up 5.1 percent to 577,449 boosted by an increase in locally produced vehicles.
Joerg Schreiber, AEB chairman, said in a statement that “the positive sales trend is carried by a majority of market players.” This was an important enabler for the recovery to turn into a lasting trend, he added.
Sales at market-leader Lada rose 22 percent in May, while volume at Kia, the country’s second most-popular brand, rose by 26 percent. Third-placed Hyundai jumped 13 percent. Renault, in fourth place, saw registrations rise 22 percent, while sales at fifth-ranked Toyota grew 15 percent.