According to the Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation foreign car brands recorded a boost in sales of 54% in the 1st quarter. Nissan was on top with 102% year over year growth, while Hyundai sales grew by 97% in the quarter, GM by 78% and Renault sales increased by 36%. Rapid economic growth and better access to credit has supported the strong car market in Russia which is further assisted by the tax incentives provided to the assembly plants. For Nissan Russia has become their largest single market in Europe with 23% of their unit sales. It’s worth highlighting that their 18.8 thousand units’ growth in Russia in the first quarter is more than twice the 9.2thousand unit decline it saw in the US market over the same period.