Putin approved specifically designed for the Russian car Volkswagen

At the Volkswagen plant in Kaluga region on October 20 a ceremonial launch a full production cycle. Honorary guest of the ceremony, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was satisfied with the trip to the crossover Tiguan, assembled in the new regime. C in November 2007 in Kaluga, golf was issued more than 100,000 vehicles Volkswagen and Skoda. Production was conducted in the mode of SKD. Now, the company started production of a full cycle, which includes stamping parts, welding, painting, assembly, installation, etc. Starting next year, when the working process will be adjusted, the assembly line will go around 150 000 cars annually. Manual Volkswagen AG promises expanded line of models produced at the Russian plant has three models produced on a full cycle. It is assumed it will be Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Passat, and designed specifically for the Russian low-cost sedan. The premiere of this model will be held at the Moscow Motor Show in 2010 and sold it will be only in the Russian Federation. The car is built on the Volkswagen Polo, but with an increased wheelbase and track width. Cost will be 440,000 rubles. Vladimir Putin noted that this machine will have good prospects in Russia. According to the Head of localization and technical development of the Russian subsidiary of Volkswagen Vladimir Schultz, the proportion of components produced in Russia for the top five until the end of 2010 will be 30%. It will be some body parts, interior roof and interior, etc. In addition, until the end of this year at a plant in Kaluga will start SKD Car Audi. The first harbingers of this brand in Russia will become a model A4, A5 coupe and Q5, and in early 2010 to them can join the A6 and Q7. Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, said: "Today we are truly the Russian manufacturer. For now issued by Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Octavia will be followed by other models. Russia will become one of the leading nations in the automotive world. " The German company has suffered fewer losses from the crisis and this year is in Russia for 3 in sales, compared with the 8 th last year. Since the launch of the plant in Kaluga (2007) Volkswagen share in the domestic market increased from 3,2% to 6,6%. By a decline in the Russian market doubled over the past nine months, sales of Volkswagen Group Rus subsided only one-fifth. "To date, Volkswagen AG is among three leading manufacturers in the Russian market. The factory in Kaluga, with extensive capabilities and flexibility was a critical factor in achieving success, "- said Professor Jochem Haytsman, board member of the group in charge of production. Martin Winterkorn said he was not afraid of the neighborhood factories and competitors, as it is, on the contrary, it will attract the Kaluga region of automotive component manufacturers, and gradually the expensive components can be replaced by produced in Russia. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin flew by helicopter to Kaluga. Manual Volkswagen AG and the management of the plant staged an honored guest a tour of the manufacturing workshops, during which familiarized him with the staff and robots. The vast territory of the plant Putin moved to the electric vehicle and then slid behind the wheel and crossover Volkswagen Tiguan - the first released at the Russian plant on a full cycle. Later at a press conference he said the thrill of this test drive: "The car is good, I really liked." At the Russian plant by Volkswagen AG SKD produced Skoda Octavia, Octavia Tour, Octavia RS, Octavia Scout, Skoda Superb, Skoda Roomster, Skoda Fabia, Fabia Combi, Skoda Yeti, VW Passat, Passat CC, VW Tiguan, VW Golf, VW Touareg , VW Jetta, as well as commercial Caddy and Transporter. As of July 1, 2009 in the Russian plant of Volkswagen has invested 570 million euros, and only until the end of the volume of cash injections will be 774 million euros. In 2010, the design capacity of the factory will make 150,000 cars a year. The company employs 1,800 Russian workers and 200 German, and next year the number of personnel will be increased to 3,000 people. Text: Olga Zabelkina. Photos: Olga Zabelkina.