After a nightmarish year 2009, the first Russian manufacturer, in which Renault owns 25%, his head out of water. While it had reduced its production by three last year to adapt to the collapse of the Russian market, the manufacturer of the Lada is now the biggest beneficiary of the scrappage of about 1300 euro launched its domestic market in early March. "80% of cars sold through this device are Ladas," says Igor Komarov, CEO of Avtovaz, appointed last summer. And 10% are assembled by Renault Logan in Moscow.
Result, sales of Avtovaz jumped 62% in May An upturn that could allow him to make a profit this year after a loss of one billion euros last year. "We must produce more than 450,000 vehicles (cons 300,000 in 2009) to generate an operating profit.While that seemed unrealistic at the beginning of the year, we now see pre exceed this threshold in 2010, "said Igor Komarov.
This adjustment is also allowed by drastically lowering costs. Russian has reduced its workforce last year to 30,000 people on 102 000. A job that required "the support of the state," said Igor Komarov. Some social activities of the group inherited from the Soviet era (nurseries, hospitals, nursing homes) has been transferred to the municipality of Togliatti. According to Renault, only a Russian could carry out this mission.This explains the departure of former French boss Avtovaz, last summer.
Five models assembled on the platform Logan
Avtovaz, Renault and Nissan aim to ally his term 40% of Russian market against 38.7% through May, in a context where the market share of Lada models obsolete, had significantly eroded by the crisis for the foreign brands. To achieve this, Renault must succeed in modernizing the plant of the former Soviet dinosaur. The French account to produce five new models on the platform of the Logan from 2012. Two Lada (station wagon and van versions), a Nissan and Renaults. A new small cheap Lada will also be constructed from the end of 2011.
Another priority: "Deliver upgrade local suppliers, in terms of cost and quality," said Christian Esteve, CEO of Renault in Russia.His goal is to move to Renault vehicles produced in Togliatti, 74% of local components in 2012, against 40% currently in its Moscow factory. To encourage suppliers to locate in western Russia and protect the development of local players, the group campaigning for the introduction of tariffs on imports of components.
The manufacturer has escaped bankruptcy last year, with help from the Kremlin about 1.7 billion euros, which allowed him to restructure its debt and cover its liquidity needs. Renault was able to maintain its share in the Russian capital without paying money, thanks to technology transfers valued at 240 million euros. According to Renault, the Russian market could reach 4 million cars in 2015-2016, which would make it the largest European market.