Moscow Auto Show Highlights Growth of Russian Car Market

Enthusiasts will check out pictures and stories from the Moscow International Auto Salon to catch glimpses of models we'll eventually see here. Lexus, Audi and BMW are all debuting new models in Moscow that will eventually reach the United States. The other story to be found in Moscow, though, is the rapid expansion of the Russian car market.

Spurred by an explosion in oil wealth, many Russians are quickly entering the middle class, and those who have arrived are looking to upgrade their rides. With incomes growing at 10% a year over the past decade, Russians have begun purchasing more expensive foreign cars. The country will overtake Germany this year as Europe's largest car market.

This gives the Moscow show a degree of clout, and perhaps it’s no coincidence that BMW has chosen to debut its heavily armored X5 Security SUV there, as some neighborhoods in Moscow have not yet become the safest places to take a Sunday drive with the family. We also hear it’s tough to be an oligarch these days.

Other notable vehicles at the show include the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda Kazamai concept.

Despite 46% growth this past year — with no signs of slowing — questions remain about the overall picture of Russia as a dependable market, partly due to the fact that most of its wealth is based on the rising price of oil and partly because of its recent invasion of Georgia.

Moscow Car Show Goes Upmarket as Russians Get Rich (Reuters)

Comments

So. Where's the "girls of the Moscow Auto Show" gallery?

sjones,
you are on the wrong site my friend. But I believe Autoblog has one. Not that I looked.

Cars and girls are here
http://www.rambler.ru/news/events/drive/565556161.html

Click on the first picture and they will follow.
Enjoy

RUSSIANS ARE ASSHOLES!!!!!! GO USA!!!!!!

GV,
would you say this to a Russian guy in the face?
I don't think so. You are too weak. And you showed your weakness already.
Get life

nope i agree with gv !! russians are like the french jerks!!!! wheres your U.S.A pride tony !!!

Bob,
Pride is one thing. Stupidity is another.
While it is nice to be American, I don't believe into that other nations are any lower in any way then us. Especially the Russians!
Also remember that Russians in many ways - one of the reasons why we're what we're today.

GV and Bob,

Tony is actually right and thats why u both got no life talking about other nations and actually USA aint so good after all.

But USA is kinda a good life but that doesnt mean russia is no worst and no better.