An original idea at this Moscow Motor Show: the "Renault QR-quest" is open to visitors
The automotive sector, one of the most buoyant in the Russian economy, has been growing steadily since the end of the 2009 crisis. Total sales are expected to reach 2.8 million vehicles in 2012 compared to 2.6 million in 2011. And with a car ownership rate of just 220 per 1,000 inhabitants, there is still plenty of potential for further growth.
The Moscow Motor Show, first held in 1994, takes place every two years and – like the Russian market – has gone from strength to strength. More than a million visitors are expected this year, which is more than the Geneva, Detroit and Beijing events. Twelve world premieres are being presented, including the Opel Astra and Mazda 6 saloons.
Renault is displaying 21 vehicles on its stand. Alongside the lengendary Type XB (also named "Tsarine" as it was used by the court of Nicholas II) are models that are made locally, like Logan, Sandero and Duster. Renault Duster, on sale since March this year, is the first widely affordable 4×4 to be produced in Russia. Sales have been very encouraging right since the launch, and next year the model will be available with a multimedia satnav system – a first in its price range.
The Moscow Motor Show is also an opportunity for Russians to discover Renault’s range of electric vehicles (ZOE and Twizy are among the models on the stand) and to learn more about its new design strategy, of which the Captur concept car provides a fine example.
Renault took advantage of the event to announce an increase in the capacity of its Moscow plant from 160,000 to 185,000 vehicles a year: a clear statement that it is still very much on the offensive in this highly competitive market.
Visitors can be photographed in front of the Type XB and leave with a nice souvenir