Sollers Opens New Automotive Plant in Russian Far East

MOSCOW – December 29, 2009: Sollers opens its new automotive plant in Vladivostok in the presence of Russian prime-minister Vladimir Putin. The new project conducted in cooperation with major Russian Vnesheconombank consists of building a new full cycle automotive plant, high localization level and local development of components production. Total investment in the project will make RUR 5 billion ($170 million).

The factory will produce wide range of Korean off-roaders under SsangYong brand (including production of all-new SsangYong C200 SUV created in close cooperation with Sollers – by the end of 2010), ISUZU trucks and specialized FIAT Ducato vehicles for Far East social infrastructure: passenger and school buses, emergency and armored vehicles, etc. Special versions of Russian UAZ Patriot off-roader are to be produced as well. On the first stage (in 2010) production capacity of the plant will make 15,000 vehicles a year and will come up to 40,000 units by 2012.

Sollers is the first Russian automaker that opens new plant in Far East region. We consider that the most up-to-date production facilities and infrastructure that we create in Vladivostok may draw attention of other Asian automakers that still have no production in Russia. I do believe in success of this Project», - said Vadim Shvetsov, Sollers CEO.

Sollers opens its’ new automotive plant in Vladivostok in the presence of Russian prime-minister Vladimir Putin. The new project conducted in cooperation with major Russian Vnesheconombank consists of building a new full cycle automotive plant, high localization level and local development of components production. Total investment in the project will make RUR 5 billion ($170 million).

The factory will produce wide range of Korean off-roaders under SsangYong brand (including production of all-new SsangYong C200 SUV created in close cooperation with Sollers – by the end of 2010), ISUZU trucks and specialized FIAT Ducato vehicles for Far East social infrastructure: passenger and school buses, emergency and armored vehicles, etc. Special versions of Russian UAZ Patriot off-roader are to be produced as well. On the first stage (in 2010) production capacity of the plant will make 15,000 vehicles a year and will come up to 40,000 units by 2012.

Sollers is the first Russian automaker that opens new plant in Far East region. We consider that the most up-to-date production facilities and infrastructure that we create in Vladivostok may draw attention of other Asian automakers that still have no production in Russia. I do believe in success of this Project», - said Vadim Shvetsov, Sollers CEO.