- Subaru is considering building its own plant in Russia by 2015.
- Subaru's first plant in Russia might be built in the Russian Far East.
- Production volumes could be in the range of 25,000-35,000 cars per year.
MOSCOW — Japanese automaker Subaru is considering building its own plant in Russia by 2015, according to Kazushi Yoshida, CEO of Subaru Motor, the official distributor of Subaru in Russia and Belarus.
Financial details of the project, as well as potential production capacity of the future plant, have not been disclosed, but according to Russian analysts, there is a possibility that Subaru's first plant in Russia might be built in the Russian Far East, while its production volumes could be in the range of 25,000-35,000 cars per year.
Yoshida, in an interview with Russia's RBC Daily business paper, said Subaru has received several offers from Russian auto producers about the possibility of establishing its own production in Russia, but no decision has been made.
Due to Subaru's low sales volume in Russia, the company's local plant is expected to be constructed no sooner than by 2015. According to Yoshida, Subaru's annual sales in Russia are expected to reach at least 30,000 cars by mid-decade.
This year, the company plans to sell at least 13,500 cars in Russia, slightly lower than its initial estimates, which were adjusted after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Subaru sales are expected to climb to 22,000 units in 2012.
Inside Line says: Subaru operates 47 dealerships in Russia and ranks that overseas market third in terms of importance, behind the U.S. and China.
Add A Comment »