Opel will start assembling Corsas in Belarus in 2014 but the actual build work should be simple as the cars will come from Spain and Germany only as semi knocked down (SKD) kits.
A framework agreement signed between GM’s Russia and CIS region and Unison will see the latter complete the cars at a factory in Belarus for sale in the Russian Customs Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan).
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“Delivery of assembly kits to an expanding market means more business for our facilities in Eisenach and Zaragoza,” said Opel manufacturing chief Peter Thom.
All Corsa models now sold in Russia will be assembled in Bealrus next year apart from the sporty OPC variant.
SKD assembly commonly involves installing mechanicals in welded, painted and trimmed body shells with limited local content such as tyres and batteries. SKD kits for the three-door will come from Opel in Eisenach, Germany and five-door versions from Zaragoza, Spain.
The plan calls for 7,000 units in the first year.
“We are happy to start cooperation with UNISON recognizing their many years of assembly expertise, professional personnel and perfect positioning in terms of parts supply from Europe and finished products logistics to the Customs Union markets”, says GM Russia and CIS President and Managing Director James Bovenzi.
And Alexey V. Vaganov, UNISON JSC chairman of supervisory board, adds: “We would like to thank the company for choosing our plant as a partner to produce Opel Corsa. The agreement valid through 2017 provides the possibility to enhance the lineup.”
