VLADIVOSTOK, Russia - Mazda Motor Corporation and OJSC Sollers today held a ceremony in Vladivostok, Primorsky region, in Russia’s Far East Federal District, to commemorate the establishment of their new joint venture production company, MAZDA SOLLERS Manufacturing Rus.
Approximately 200 people participated in the ceremony including Russia’s 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Igor Shuvalov; the Governor of Primorsky region, Vladimir Miklushevsky; Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yukio Edano; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Russian Federation, Chikahito Harada; Mazda’s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi and Sollers’ CEO, Vadim Shvetsov.
In his remarks at the ceremony, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi said, “Today marks an important day in the history of Mazda. We are pleased to be able to hold our event to coincide with the APEC meetings to welcome the government officials of both Russia and Japan. We are here today thanks not only to our great partnership with Sollers, but also to the tremendous support of all government parties involved. The Russian automotive industry is rapidly growing, with annual sales closing in on three million units. Mazda is at the vanguard of the auto industry in establishing a plant in Vladivostok, a land expected to grow as an important hub, especially within the East Asian Economic group. Through this joint venture, Mazda aims not only to ensure its own further growth in this market, but also to make a contribution to the future of this industry in Russia.”
Sollers’ CEO, Vadim Shvetsov, said, “For us it is a great honour to collaborate with such a successful car manufacturer as Mazda. They are the first Japanese brand to establish a plant in the Russian Far East. I’m sure that their vast knowledge and experience in car production and our unique regional infrastructure will make this joint venture efficient and successful and will also help to bring the industry in this region to a whole new level.”
Operations begin at the joint venture company’s production facility in October 2012 and in the beginning will be limited to assembly. At the time of operation start, annual production capacity will be 50,000 units.
Moving forward, Mazda aims to establish a body shop and paint shop, and increase capacity to 100,000 units annually. Mazda will produce two models in the new facility, the CX-5 from the start of production and the All-New Mazda6 will join the line-up in the future.
Summary of MAZDA SOLLERS Manufacturing Rus
Company name: MAZDA SOLLERS Manufacturing Rus
Location: Vladivostok, Primorsky region, Far Eastern Federal District, Russia
Established: September 2012
CEO: Alexander Korneychuk
Investment amount: 25 Billion yen
Investment ratio: Mazda 50%, Sollers 50%
Number of employees: Approximately 3,000