General Motors and the government of St Petersburg – dubbed ‘Russia’s Detroit’ as so many automakers are now based in the region – have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on automotive technology to help sustain growth in the local auto industry.
The memorandum on industrial, engineering and research cooperation covers development of jointly supported research projects, exploring opportunities for exchange of relevant academic and scientific information, visits and exchange between professors, scientists and students and co-development of educational programs in automotive technology.
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Under a current programme, leading universities in St Petersburg are conducting applied research and development in the automotive industry, including training young scientists at GM research and technical centres in the US.
Jim Bovenzi, president and managing director of General Motors Russia and CIS, said: “We plan to expand our research capacity and share experience. This mutually beneficial cooperation enables young professionals to realise their potential and gain valuable experience and GM to get the inflow of fresh ideas and skilled young people.”
Mikhail Oseevsky, vice-governor of St Petersburg, added: “This cooperation is the first step towards the creation of the first R&D centre in the automotive industry in St Petersburg and in Russia as well. This is an important input to the automotive cluster of our city.”
