Nissan sold 2,770 vehicles through its network of official dealers in August, or over three times the number sold in August 2003. In all, 16,447 vehicles have been sold since the beginning of the year, compared to 5,972 cars sold in the first eight months of 2003. Almera is Nissan’s most popular brand in Russia, with 1,397 sold since the beginning of 2004.

Toyota Motor Corp sold 19,404 vehicles through dealership and auto-service centers in 2003 in Russia. Heading the list of top selling models in Russia are Toyota Corolla (5,390), Camry (4,545) and Avensis (2,902).

Audi has presented a new generation A and S models – A4, A4 Avant, and S4 – all boasting the latest technical characteristics of the global auto industry. The A4 model offers a number of completely new engine capabilities, including up to 255 horsepower. The V8 engine of the S4 model has a capacity of 344 hp. The A4 model is available in Moscow at between $27,400-$52,798, A4 Avant at between $30,029-$52,494, while S4 attracts a minimum price of $86,223.

Skoda, Volkswagen’s Czech Republic-based auto company, has announced ambitious plans to regain its lost position on the Russian auto market due to cutthroat competition with other middle-priced cars, mainly from South Korea. The company cut down prices on its Fabia model by at least $1,000 to $11,750-$17,700, depending on options, while its universal and hatchback models are cheaper by $600. Also, special sales-promotion programs have been rolled out to entice potential clients, including a gift of free customized winter tires to those who buy Skoda cars before the winter sets in this year.

Hyundai ranked second among official foreign automobile sales in Russia in the first quarter of 2004. In total, the South Korean auto giant sold 6,662 vehicles in Russia in the first quarter of 2004, or about 233.4 percent more than it sold in the same period in 2003. Other South Korean auto titans, Daewoo and Kia, were not far behind. Daewoo sold 6,112 and while Kia sold 4,326 cars.

Special offers

Ford Motors Company’s Russian subsidiary has outlined a new offer, called the Autumn Collection Program, which will provide potential customers with the opportunity to buy its Ford Fiesta and Ford Fusion models at 1,500 euros cheaper than their current asking prices.

Consequently, Ford Fiesta is now available at between 9,200-12,480 euros, and Ford Fusion for 12,560-14,140 euros. The offers available in all Ford’s official dealers and will remain valid till the end of 2004. More information on these offers and other Ford products in Russia is available on www.ford.ru