AvtoVAZ to Build Cars at Nissan Plant in Russia

The former Nissan car plant in St. Petersburg, Russia, will be run by AvtoVAZ, with production planned to start in 2023, according to reports citing Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov.

The Nissan assets in Russia are now owned by state entity NAMI. The brand sold 53,000 cars in Russia in 2021.

Related: Chinese Grab Russian Car Market Share After Western Rivals Exit

Nissan’s alliance partner Renault had held a majority stake in AvtoVAZ, which makes the Lada brand, until selling it to NAMI in May 2022. Renault’s factory in Moscow is being used to built cars under the Soviet-era Moskvich brand.

Nissan exited Russia in October, when it said it would hand over its business in Russia to NAMI for 1 euro ($0.97), it said, taking a loss of about 100 billion yen ($687 million). The deal will give Nissan the right to buy back the business within 6 years, Russia’s industry and trade ministry said.

The sale included Nissan’s car plant and research facilities in St. Petersburg as well as its sales and marketing center in Moscow. It was the latest major company exit since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February earlier this year.

Related: Russia Planning for More Self-Sufficient Auto Industry

Nissan had operated in Russia since 2004, and the St. Petersburg factory opened in 2009. In addition to the X-Trail, it also built the Qashqai and Murano SUVs.

Source: Auto News

UsmanAnsari

A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com