Togliatti-based auto-maker AvtoVAZ  announced its car sales increased 60 percent in July, year-on-year, due to Russia's cash-for- clunkers scheme and continued economic recovery.

Almost half of the 51,800 vehicles sold in July were part of the cash-for-clunkers programme. The scheme awards 50,000 roubles ($1,656) to car owners willing to trade in 10-year-old locally produced vehicles for new models.