While economic sanctions continue to affect the Russian economy, scaring off some automakers, companies that rely heavily on the local car market continue to invest there.
One of these companies is Nissan, whose plant in St Petersburg, Russia, has started production of the new X-Trail SUV, as part of a €167 million investment to double capacity at the plant and create 1,500 new jobs.
Nissan is doubling the production capacity at the St Petersburg plant to 100,000 vehicles and is increasing the number of models built there from three to five. In August this year, Nissan started producing the new Pathfinder, with the new Qashqai to be soon be added to the line.
Since Russia is one of its biggest markets, Nissan is growing production in the country and aims to build there 90 percent of the cars sold locally by 2016. Nissan also says it will reinvest 90 percent of profits locally to continue creating jobs, and boosting the wider economy and supplier chain.
“The new Nissan X-Trail – being built right here at the St Petersburg plant – is a further expansion of our manufacturing footprint on Russian soil. This plant has doubled production to 100,000 vehicles and we have increased the number of models on the line from three to five,” said Chairman of Nissan Europe, Paul Willcox.
PHOTOS
