The Russian market is ready to "Chevrolet Niva"

September 23 in Science and Technology Center JSC" AvtoVAZ ", a press conference dedicated to the CJSC "GM - AvtoVAZ." journalists' questions answered CEO "GM-AvtoVAZ" John Mylonas, chairman of the board, "GM-AvtoVAZ", who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of OAO "AvtoVAZ" Vladimir Kadannikov, Chairman of the Corporation "GM" Jack Smith, former vice-president of "GM" David Herman, senior vice president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Noreen Doyle. publish the most interesting answers to questions from the press. - Does the corporation "GM" to participate in OAO "AvtoVAZ"? Jack Smith: There is no negotiation. is now in the "GM" is completely focused on the company, "GM - AvtoVAZ." - Previous attempts to "GM" to establish joint ventures in Russia have not been very successful. What you can you say about this project? David Herman: Trying not end successfully, since the price of cars was too high for Russian consumers. Since then we have learned to work in the Russian market. Especially revealing for us was 1998, when the average price for a car "Chevrolet "released in Yelabuga," soared "to 30 thousand dollars. Today everything is different, the Russian market is ready to take the car" Chevrolet Niva. "The main idea when creating a company," GM - AvtoVAZ "was the creation of affordable and reliable car just for Russia . The price base set "Chevrolet Niva" is about 8000 dollars - it's balanced and reasonable price achieved, above all, it is the presence of Russian components. With additional options the price will naturally be higher. This car is competitive compared to other machines on a platform. - What will happen to the car VAZ-21213 "Niva"? Vladimir Kadannikov: As mentioned earlier, the growth of production volumes, "Chevrolet Niva" in CJSC "GM - AvtoVAZ" will be reduced production volumes, "Niva" in AvtoVAZ. This process will continue until 2006, after which the quantity produced "NIV" in OAO "AvtoVAZ" is not more than 15 thousand a year, if by that time will be demanded by the market. It is possible that we will pass on the production of "Niva" to other enterprises. - Will be developed in the SEC of "AvtoVAZ" new SUV? Vladimir Kadannikov: Today, when we were releasing "Niva" and CJSC "GM-AvtoVAZ" begins production "Chevrolet Niva", think of another sport utility vehicle - it is not market approach, and make additional investments in this class is economically unjustified. We need to invest in the creation of a new base model, which would become the impetus for the development of Russian automotive industry. When a new car will certainly be taken into account the experience gained in working with us, "GM". -What will be different export version of the "Chevrolet Niva"? John Mylonas: Nothing. We do not have double standards. - When will profit from the company, "GM - AvtoVAZ"? John Mylonas: This year we plan to produce 456 cars and it is clear that large profits can not be expected. The next year I can give an accurate answer. - How will the dealer network? John Mylonas: The dealer network in Russia will total about 97 dealers. Formation of the network is divided into three phases. The first stage involves the creation of 20 dealer points, finished by the end of this year. We already have 18 dealers. In the second phase by the end of March 2003 the number of dealers will increase to 35. In October 2003, the number of dealers will be 91 - the third stage. In late 2003, the company will have a full dealer network of 97 dealers. Lysyakova Svetlana