Kaliningrad-based automaker Avtotor has launched production of Opel’s Astra and Zafira models, the company said on Monday.

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The investment in production will total about EUR50m euros to be paid in equal parts with EUR39m already committed. The remainder will be spent on finalising full-cycle production, including welding and painting, in 2010–2011.


Avtotor holds 25,000 preliminary orders for the Astra and 6,000 for the Zafira in 2010, a spokesman said, adding that all new cars will be sold through General Motors.


In 2009, Avtotor plans to produce 58,000–63,000 vehicles of all brands while in 2010 as many as 150,000 vehicles may be produced, the spokesman said, adding that in 2008 the company produced 108,000 vehicles.


Avtotor produced 48,144 vehicles in January–September, down 43% year on year, according to ASM Holding, which monitors Russia’s automobile industry.


Avtotor also assembles Chevrolet, Chevrolet-Daewoo, Cadillac, Hummer, Kia and BMW vehicles.

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