Komsomolskaya Pravda: "Vladimir Putin urges AvtoVAZ to upgrade cars"
This year AvtoVAZ has posted a record profit of one billion roubles. Yesterday AvtoVAZ President Igor Komarov told Vladimir Putin that the company saw positive results mainly thanks to the used car scrappage programme. He added that the modernisation of the plant was underway.
"Could you just explain what you are planning to do to implement these plans?" the prime minister asked again.
Vladimir Putin reminded Komarov that when AvtoVAZ was allocated state funds there was a deal with Renault on exchanging technology.
"I am not asking you all these questions just for the sake of it," the prime minister stressed. "The used car scrappage programme has proved efficient. But it involves models that have not only withstood the test of time but which have become outdated and need to be replaced. There is a danger that the success of the scrappage programme will obscure the plant's modernization."
Igor Komarov agreed and reported that AvtoVAZ employees were undergoing training at Renault plants. A new press machine purchased from Japan's Komatsu was about to be launched. The project, based on Renault-Nissan's developments, to create affordable cars fit for Russia's roads, will be started as well. And a new economy model based on the Lada Kalina will be developed soon. Photo by RIA Novosti.
By Larisa Kaftan
