Russian automobile sales could be 1.5 mln in 2016 with state support, 980,000 without - ministry
MOSCOW. Nov 19 (Interfax) - Russia's automobile sales next year could amount to 1.5 million with state support and 980,000 without it, Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Alexander Morozov said during a meeting of the State Duma Industry Committee's Expert Council for the innovatory development for the automotive industry and special-purpose equipment.
"Without a continuation of the support, the Russian auto market will continue to decline further in 2016. The level of utilization of capacity at the same is dropping below the critical 30%," the presentation of the Industry and Trade Ministry, said.
Russia has the capacity to produce 3.5 million automobiles per year, and utilization is at 40%, Morozov said.
According to Ministry forecasts, in 2015 the Russian car market will see 1.6 million vehicles, thus the decline in 2016 could reach 9% if support measures are maintained, and 40% if not.
The Industry and Trade Ministry also predicts that the Russian automobile market will reach 1.5 million units with state support and 1.1 million units without it n 2017, and in 2018 - 1.6 million and 1.3 million units, respectively.
