General Motors Opens First Russian Plant in St. Petersburg

The opening of the flexible assembly plant, which is expected to add some 70,000 to more than 100,000 units of capacity, marks a momentous occasion. In the words of GME President, Forster at the opening ceremony:

“The plant opening underlines GM’s strong commitment to Russia. This new plant will cement our position as the number one non-domestic manufacturer in Russia, a high-volume growth market with outstanding potential.”

The new plant, which is located on the outskirts of St. Petersburg in Shushary, represents the third manufacturing site to build GM vehicles in Russia. The other two are located in Togliatti and in Kalingrad.

Sales of General Motors vehicles have nearly doubled in Russia from January to September of 08, with a sales increase of 44 percent. Russian Chevrolet sales grew by 33.5 percent and Opel, which is the fastest growing brand in the Russian vehicle market, experienced a growth rate of 73.3 percent.

According to Valentina Matvienko, Governor of St. Petersburg:

“GM’s investment in this modern, flexible car plant is an investment in the future. We are proud to be the home of the first General Motors plant to open in the company’s second century.”

Here’s to General Motors in Russia!

May next year be just as successful.