The prices of foreign cars grew on one quarter since the beginning of the year

On data of the analytic agency �AUTOSTAT�, the growth of prices of foreign cars in Russia slowed down and constituted on average 3%. So, since the beginning of the year the prices of cars of foreign brands grew on one quarter � by 24, 9%.
As it is noted in the overview of price policy of participants of market for April, the main issue for the majority of importers is still sale of cars, output in 2008. The main instrument for realization of these cars is fixing of prices of dealers� cars or discounts. For example, Audi offers cars of 2008 model�s year at fixed exchange rate 35 rur for one euro, Lexus � from 25 to 27 rur for one dollar (depending on model), Mercedes-Benz � at rate 1 euro = 34 rur (including models of 2009 model�s year), or 31 rur = 1 euro for some models of E � class.
Discounts on cars, output in 2008 are represented by distributors of following makes: Chevrolet, Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, Renault and Volkswagen (for model Passat 1, 6 trendline). Moreover, the discount actions of Chevrolet and Peugeot also concern the cars of 2009 model�s year. Honda sells the cars of 2008 model�s year at reduced prices (by 5%); the cars got customs clearances before the increase of customs services. Besides, there are different bonuses: a free equipment of options and accessories at a fixed price (like Kia) or a free technical maintenance �on the road� (Mitsubishi).
A range of companies (such as Hyundai) set the same prices of cars like a month ago. The enterprises which did not raise the prices in close connection to currency exchange rate like their competitors now continue to raise the prices of the whole model range, output in 2009. For example Ford has such price policy: since the 1st of May it will raise the prices of cars for the fourth time in 2009.
Companies that have production in Russia actively use this advantage and enlarge the model range of assembled cars. This gives them the possibility to set less prices than those of competitors, who are obliged to pay the increased customs duties. So, the factory Volkswagen started assembly of models Golf VI and Skoda Superb. BMW enlarged the range of cars, assembled at the enterprise �Autotor�, by the models BMW X5 and BMW X6.
The importers started to use credit programs together with banks and take a part of costs when giving credit. These enterprises are: Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Renault, SsangYong and Volkswagen.