OREANDA-NEWS. Automotive market of Russia, which in January took the fifth place among the countries of Europe, at the end of last month climbed to the fourth place of the European Championship.

According to data, received by the agency "AUTOSTAT" at the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers in Europe, the leader by vehicle sales in February remains Germany, where it was sold 250,302 cars (+ 12.1%). As noted in the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA), the sales since the beginning of the year were the best for the last 14 years, and 20 % increase of orders for new cars in February gives us confidence in the positive development of the market during the year. In the second place there is Italy, whose dealers have sold 172 241 cars (+ 27.3%). As noted in the Italian Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ANFIA), it is the best indicator for February since 2010, when the program was operated of scrappage bonuses. The third result was shown by France - 166 739 sold cars (+ 13%). If, however, during the considering of the European automotive market we take into account Russia, then our country has risen to the fourth place of the European ranking. According to preliminary estimates of "AUTOSTAT" agency, passenger car sales in the last month were more than 104 million units (excluding LCV). The top-five of leaders is closed by Spain this time with 97,650 sold vehicles (+ 12.6%). We also add that the top-5 of leaders in European car market was left by United Kingdom, whose result was 83395 cars (+ 8.4%). As it was noted by the British Society of Motor Manufacturers and dealers (SMMT), the local auto market keeps a good momentum this year, by showing the best result of February since 2004, but this month has traditionally the lowest rate of monthly sales.