07 June 2004 10:45
RUSPROMAVTO LOOKING FOR STRATEGIC PARTNER
NIZHNY NOVGOROD. June 7 (Interfax) - Ruspromavto, a major grouping of Russian auto companies, plans to find a
strategic partner for the Gorky Automotive Works (GAZ) before the end of 2004, Ruspromavto General Director Alexander
Yushkevich told the press.
The search for a strategic partner and joint development of the plant is one of GAZ's main tasks for the
long-term. "GAZ must become a member of the world automotive industry, and working by ourselves, is, in my opinion,
not realistic," Yushkevich said.
Ruspromavto plans to develop all models that GAZ produces with the
help of a strategic partner. At the same time talks are being held on
Yushkevich said they are looking at world leaders in car manufacturing to find potential partners for GAZ. The option
of joint car production at the plant's capacity is also being discussed.
Ruspromavto and Fiat had planned to consider the final business
plan of the project to assemble Fiat cars in Russia at the end of May
cooperation with smaller car manufacturers. GAZ is considering possible cooperation with Indian companies on
organizing assembly production in India, Yushkevich said.
In commenting on talks between Ruspromavto and Italy's Fiat on forming a business plan for a project to assemble
Fiat cars in Russia, Yushkevich said that the project is in its final stage, but has been somewhat delayed due to recent
changes in Fiat's top management. "That is not a very good situation for us," Yushkevich said.
Basic Element, Ruspromavto's main shareholder, and Fiat agreed at the beginning of November 2003 to cooperate in
the development of the car manufacturing sector. Both companies agreed to consider the possible import and distribution
of a series of Fiat models in Russia, and to study the possibility of producing several models in Russia. Both Fiat and
Basic Element also agreed to review a project to import IVECO diesel engines to Russia to install in small passenger
vans made by GAZ and their possible production in Russia.
2004, Yushkevich said earlier.
Ruspromavto includes AO Gorky Automobile Works, AO Ural Automobile Plant, four bus plants - AO Pavlovsky Avtobus, AO
Kurgan Bus Plant, Likino Automobile Plant and Golitsino Bus Plant, and a number of other companies.
[Interfax] |
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