According to the data released by the Russian Federation's Federal State Statistics Service, in 2010 the country's passenger car output doubled to 1.2 million units, its truck output increased by 65 percent to 153,000 units, its bus output rose by 26.4 percent to 40,800 units, while the output of trolley buses went down by 48.2 percent to 397 units, all compared to 2009. The increase in Russia's 2010 auto output was backed by various government-supported schemes.
According to AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee (AEB AMC), 2010 saw sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia increase by 30 percent compared to 2009 to 1.91 million units. Among the top ten bestselling models of passenger cars, nine are produced in Russia. "2010 was very encouraging and as the economy improved, on the back of stronger oil prices, consumer confidence has started to come back," reads AEB AMC's statement.
The AEB AMC forecast for 2011 is for sales of 2.24 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles - up 17 percent year on year. "The outlook for 2011 is positive provided that the economy and the ruble continue to strengthen. The extension of the utilization (scrapping) program and the presidential loan scheme is also welcome, although it is worth noting that over 80 percent of sales on the utilization program have gone to the cheaper domestic brands," AEB AMC said.