St. Petersburg registered 4,600 new cars in April, 20 percent higher than March figures but almost 30 percent below April 2024 levels. Car sales have slumped since late 2024 after interest rates jumped to 21 percent.
Chinese brand Haval remains the city favorite for the second month running. Drivers bought 2,772 Haval cars between January and April. Russian AvtoVAZ came second with 2,636 new vehicles sold. Another Chinese maker, Chery, took third place with 1,670 cars purchased during this period.
The car market shows mixed signals, with monthly growth but a yearly decline. Many shoppers hold back because loans cost more than before. Market analysts expect sales might pick up if rates decrease soon. Right now, most buyers seem to prefer more affordable foreign brands. Local dealerships hope summer will bring more customers looking for new vehicles.
Chinese brand Haval remains the city favorite for the second month running. Drivers bought 2,772 Haval cars between January and April. Russian AvtoVAZ came second with 2,636 new vehicles sold. Another Chinese maker, Chery, took third place with 1,670 cars purchased during this period.
The car market shows mixed signals, with monthly growth but a yearly decline. Many shoppers hold back because loans cost more than before. Market analysts expect sales might pick up if rates decrease soon. Right now, most buyers seem to prefer more affordable foreign brands. Local dealerships hope summer will bring more customers looking for new vehicles.
