AvtoVAZ is hailing the Russian government’s close interest in the automotive industry after Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev held a recent conference at the manufacturer’s Togliatti headquarters.
The high level of the conference was illustrated by Medvedev being accompanied by Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, Arkady Dvorkovich and AvtoVAZ CEO, Bo Andersson, while numerous federal and local officials also attended the automotive summit as did Russian and overseas car assemblers.
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“It is clearly delivered by Medvedev – the Russian government would support the whole automotive industry with RUB50bn (US$651m),” an AvtoVAZ spokesman told just-auto from Russia. “With programmes like scrappage and trade-ins, partly going to support exports in terms of necessary technologies in Russian automotive production sites and partly covering expenses for companies transporting vehicles to the border.
“We should clearly understand the existing situation and the Russian government takes advantage in any part of industry – automotive is a big part of industry.”
The Russian Prime Minister made use of his Togliatti – named after an Italian communist – visit to test drive AvtoVAZ’s Lada Xray – while also touring the plant and talking to workers.
“We were very glad of the interest Medvedev took and were delighted the meeting took place in AvtoVAZ office [s],” added the automaker’s spokesman.
“This year is the 50th celebration of AvtoVAZ [when] the Soviet government took the decision to build the plant in Togliatti. We are planning a very bright event nationwide…the biggest celebration will take place in July.”
The Lada Xray will launch on 14 February and comes hot on the heels of the Vesta rolling out late last year.
“I drove it [Xray] and I liked I,” said Medvedev. “Very comfortable and modern car that is not worse than any other similar vehicle made by foreign brands.
“I think it has a good future.”
AvtoVAZ recently annouced it would place staff up to top management on a four-day week with a 20% pay cut, as the Russian domestic economic situation continues to remain highly challenging.
