Chinese automaker might buy Mercedes-Benz plant in Moscow Region - governor

MOSCOW. Sept 9 (Interfax) - A Chinese automaker is one of the possible buyers of the Mercedes-Benz in the Moscow Region town of Yesipovo, the region's governor, Andrei Vorobyov said on radio station Sputnik on Thursday.

"I really hope that Mercedes returns. If not, work is now underway there on selecting a reliable automaker with stable demand for its automobiles, including a Chinese one," Vorobyov said, adding that he believes the plant will resume operations "in one form or another."

There is currently "a lot of uncertainty for the Germans, who shut down the plant, and for investors who intend to buy it," he said. "I think there will be clarity this year," he added.

Kommersant, citing auto industry and real estate market sources, reported on August 26 that the German automaker is selling its Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Rus plant in Yesipovo.

A source at an automobile company told the paper that the plant has been put up for sale. Another source in the auto industry said that the deal is in the final stages and the buyer will be a Russian car dealer.

The paper's source in the Moscow Region real estate market said that car dealer Avtodom is seeking to buy the plant and that the Moscow Region Development Corporation is involved in the negotiations.