- The Russian market grew by 10.6% in 2012 (compared to 2011), to 2,935,111 units (Passenger Cars  + Light Utility Vehicles), which marks a sharp slowdown from the previous year (+38.9% in 2011 compared to 2010).

- The most worrying fact is that the increase in sales in November and December is almost zero, foreshadowing a possible trend reversal in 2013, although it is still quite unlikely. The most credible hypothesis is a quasi-stable Russian market in 2013.

   The market does not seem to prompt a new wave of growth in the immediate future. The numerous carmakers’ investments (Volkswagen’s, Ford’s and Avtovaz’ in  particular) in the country could even cause problems with overcapacity.

- Manufacturers have indeed invested heavily in recent years, installing new capacities in the country, attracted by this new Eldorado, which promised to surpass the German market in a few years.

- As for carmakers, the Russian market in 2012 was dominated by Lada (18.3%), followed by Chevrolet (7.0%), Renault (6.5%), Kia (6.4%), VW (6 2%), Hyundai (6.0%), Toyota (5.8%) and Nissan (5.6%). The Renault-Nissan group (including AutoVAZ) is  by far the Russian market leader with a market share of 30.4% in 2012.