Vladimir Putin Inaugurates Newest Russian Assembly Line, Marking Latest Milestone in Renault-Nissan and AVTOVAZ Partnership

AsiaNet 48919

TOGLIATTI, Russia, Apr. 5/PRN=KYODO JBN/ -

     - 400 million euro investment generates capacity of up to 350,000 cars   

       annually across three brands.

     - After Lada Largus, separate models from Nissan and Renault will follow.

     - This new production line contributes to the three partners' common

       goal: achieve capacity of at least 1.6 million vehicles per year in

       Russia by 2016.

     Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inaugurated a new car manufacturing

facility today, marking the latest milestone in the expanding Renault-Nissan

Alliance and AVTOVAZ partnership.

     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-a )

     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-b )

     Executives including AVTOVAZ President Igor Komarov, Renault Chief

Operating Officer Carlos Tavares and Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki

Shiga hosted Putin at the "Job One" ceremony at the AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti,

the largest assembly plant in the world. The first car off the new line was the

Lada Largus multi-purpose van.

    400 million euro were invested into this 250,000-square-meter industrial

complex, which will take full advantage of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's

expertise in engineering and cost savings. The complex hosts the new production

line inaugurated today. The line has a maximum capacity of 350,000 cars per

year and will produce vehicles for the three brands - Renault, Nissan and

AVTOVAZ. Production starts with two new Lada models, followed by a Nissan

vehicle later in 2012, and two Renaults in 2013. Five separate models will be

produced across the three companies, reducing costs while preserving the unique

characteristics of each brand.

     "Our collaboration is deepening every day and increasing economies of

scale across the Alliance," said Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO and Chairman

Carlos Ghosn. "It's a win-win for all parties - and the benefits keep

accelerating as Russia becomes Europe's economic engine of growth."

     A solid partnership

     The partnership started in 2008, when Renault bought a 25% stake in

AVTOVAZ and began the transfer of technology and know-how to AVTOVAZ

manufacturing facilities.

     "We initiated our project of a common production line in Togliatti two

years ago, in the most difficult times for the economy - so it's a great honor

to see it come to fruition today," said AVTOVAZ President Igor Komarov. "Our

partnership continues to grow deeper by the day."

     For the full release, click here:

http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/sites/default/files/201204_The_Alliance_Press_Release.pdf

http://blog-alliance-renault-nissan.com

     SOURCE:  Renault-Nissan