VW Group Enters Production Deal with Russia’s GAZ

In its never-ending quest for global domination, the VW Group signed an agreement with the GAZ Group to assemble Volkswagen and Skoda models under contract at the Russian automaker’s in Nizhny Novgorod. The two companies had already concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding joint automobile production in Russia in February 2011 with a planned production volume of 110,000 vehicles per year.

Under the deal, GAZ will build the Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan, Skoda Octavia and Skoda Yeti crossover models for the Russian market, with the first vehicles to start rolling off the production line by the end of 2012.

Read more »

Russian GAZ Starts Chrysler Sebring Based Siber Production

Following the production of a pilot series in spring 2008, the GAZ Group today launched the serial production of its new Volga Siber that is based on the previous-generation Dodge Stratus / Chrysler Sebring sedan. The Russian company's production facilities are capable of manufacturing up to 100,000 cars per year. The Siber will be available from September 1, 2008 in 12 Russian regions through the company's 68 dealers.

GAZ had acquired the rights to use the previous generation Sebring from the former DaimlerChrysler Group in 2006. Compared to its American sibling, the Siber features a redesigned exterior by British studio UltraMotive along with a stiffer suspension and increased ground clearance adapted to Russia's roads and harsh winter conditions. Power will be provided by two Chrysler gasoline engines, a 141Hp 2.0 litre and a 143Hp 2.4 litre unit. -Continued

Interestingly, Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the car plant on the eve of production and took the new sedan on a test drive. "It takes off fast and they've increased the clearance. It will be fine for our roads,” said Putin. Guess there’s no need for any car magazines to test drive the Siber after Putin’s professional assessment…