The association’s figures show that in total, 180,767 new cars and LCVs were sold last month, down by 53,598 units.

For the year to date, new car and LCV sales declined by 9.9% or 154,864 units compared to the same period last year. So far this year 1,410,606 cars have been sold.

Joerg Schreiber, chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee commented: ‘The overall trend is worrisome, and unlikely to improve fundamentally any time soon. Of course, the Moscow Motor Show set to open at the end of August should have a stimulating effect on car purchases, especially in the usually stronger autumn season. In any case, this is how it normally works. But what has been normal this year so far?’

Among the top 10 bestselling models of passenger cars, 10 are produced in Russia.