Russia on track to become Europe's most important market, overtaking Germany

Whether the yen is stronger than the dollar or the dollar is stronger than the euro… Whatever the reason for the poor state of the car market in much of the world, there are still countries that hold up, such as Germany, with respectable sales.

However, Germany’s position as the paradise of the European car market is about to change. If we look at the forecasts and analyses being prepared, Russia is going to overtake Germany; this will not happen in a few years’ time but now: in this 2012.

The difference will be small, but sufficient. It is estimated that this year Russia will grow by 20.6% with a total volume sold of just over 3.2 million units, while Germany, which is neither falling nor rising, will sell almost the same 3.1 million vehicles as last year.

In Russia, the brand that takes the vast majority of sales is Lada, with a 22% penetration, 580,000 vehicles sold and the Lada Kalina as the best-selling model. The second most popular brand is Chevrolet, while the one that has grown most in recent months is Volkswagen; almost all brands must produce within the country. For imports, the best-selling brand is Hyundai, with its Solaris model.

Source | Inauto News