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changing energy dynamics. As global demand evolves, countries and companies involved in the oil and gas sector will need to ensure their strategies align with these shifting trends. Furthermore, efforts to diversify energy sources and promote sustainable alternatives, such as LNG, will be crucial in meeting future energy demands while addressing environmental concerns.
9.1.2 Automotive sector news
The Russian automotive market experienced a substantial surge in new car sales during the month of May, according to a statement from research agency Autostat. The sales figure more than doubled compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 72,171 vehicles. Among the top performers in the market, Lada emerged as the leading brand, with sales of their new cars amounting to 22,029 units in May. Chinese car brands Chery and Haval secured the second and third positions, with sales figures of 7,444 and 7,432 vehicles, respectively.
Self-driving Kamaz trucks have debuted on Russian public use roads on June 15. The vehicles carry commercial cargo from St. Petersburg to Moscow on the M-11 Neva highway.
Russia's automotive industry experienced a significant surge in sales, with new cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) more than doubling in May compared to the previous year, according to the Association of European Businesses (AEB). In a statement released on Tuesday, the AEB reported that a total of 51,466 units were sold during the month.
However, despite this impressive growth, the overall sales figures for the first five months of the year paint a different picture. The AEB noted a 26% decline in new car and LCV sales in Russia, amounting to 228,500 vehicles between January and May.
One notable highlight in the market is the remarkable performance of Lada cars, produced by AvtoVAZ. The sales of Lada vehicles witnessed a nearly fourfold increase in May, reaching a total of 23,904 units. This positive trend continued throughout the January to May period, with sales soaring by 72% to reach 115,779 cars.
It is important to note that the AEB's data excludes the sales figures of several prominent brands. Notably, Chinese car producer Chery, which ranked fifth in Russia's car sales in 2022, as well as the sales of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and the Russian electric car brand Evolute, are not included in the reported numbers.
The surge in car sales reflects a recovery in consumer demand within the
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