Nissan has confirmed it will launch a new model developed exclusively for Russia and manufactured at Alliance partner AvtoVAz’s plant in Togliatti.
The car, developed by engineering teams in Japan, the UK and Russia, will use the Almera name – previously seen in Europe on UK and Spanish-built C-segment hatchback, sedan and MPV models.
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The carmaker claimed it would be one of the most spacious sedans in the Russian mainstream segment when it is launched early next year.
Russia is already Nissan’s largest European market and last year the company increased sales there by 75% over 2010 to over 138,000 units for a 5.2% market share.
The Almera is part of a comprehensive industrial strategy for Nissan Russia which also has a factory in St Petersburg which produced over 43,000 Teana and Murano models alongside the X-Trail SUV last year.
The Almera will be made on a new production line at Togliatti where new paint and body shops are scheduled to open ahead of the Almera’s production launch in November.
François Goupil De Bouille, Nissan managing director for Russia, said: “As part of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan, we want to significantly increase our share of the overall Russian car market by 2016.
“Almera will bring something new to the segment by offering outstanding value, unique Japanese design, interior space not previously available in this market sector and world class quality.
“The fact this is a car developed specifically for Russia, and manufactured locally in Togliatti, ensures it will fully meet the expectations and desires of our customers.”
The Almera will be unveiled at the Moscow International Autosalon on 29 August.
