Volkswagen considers resuming Audi assembly in Russia
MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax) - Volkswagen, which now builds Volkswagens and Skodas in Russia, may next year decide to resume making Audis in the country.
"Strategically, we plan to assemble Audi automobiles on Russian territory. A decision could be made during 2012," Audi chief for Russia Yelena Smirnova told Interfax. She did not say what models might be built or where, but said various options are under consideration.
Audi is sticking with its forecast for Russian auto sales growth this year of 25,000 vehicles versus 18,500 the year before, Smirnova said. Russia's automobile market could grow to 2.4 million this year (1.91 million in 2010).
Russian sales could reach 30,000-40,000 automobiles depending on economic conditions, she said.
The company intends to start shipping updated A3, A4, A5, and Q5 models in 2012.
The company's chain of dealerships will increase by ten from today's 47 with the opening of salons in such cities as Moscow, Arkhangelsk, Petrozavodsk, and Izhevsk.
Volkswagen has been building Audi automobiles at a plant in Kaluga using SKD (semi-knocked-down) methods since September of 2009. Around seven thousand Audis have been rolled out the factory doors in Russia since then. Since September of last year, the company's Russian plant has been building four models of two makes in a full production cycle, along with two more models by SKD.
Volkswagen group sales in Russia increased 70% to 156,500 vehicles in January-September this year, including 17,800 Audis (up 25%).
