Most of the growth came from the pre-sales of winter tyres for passenger cars in Russia and the other CIS countries." He added, "The outlook for 2008 is good, and we expect strong growth to continue in our key markets." Nokian said the overall Western European tyre markets declined, while Nordic tyre markets grew slightly, and the replacement market for passenger car tyres grew in Russia and the other CIS countries. Nokian said raw material prices increased by 6% year-over-year in the first half. Fixed costs amounted to Euro 148.3 million (Euro 129.6 million), accounting for 28.0 percent (30.0 percent) of net sales. The average tyre prices rose as a result of an improved sales mix, new products and successfully implemented price increases, said the company. Nokian said it increased production at its Russian factory, in line with its plans, but this had not been enough to meet demand. "sales had to be restricted to Central and Eastern European countries." said Nokian.