VOLKSWAGEN start production ENGINES IN RUSSIA
German Volkswagen was the first foreign car manufacturers decided to build a Russian engine manufacturer. The company, designed to produce up to 150 thousand engines per year, will be located in Kaluga - the same place where the basic assembly and manufacturing concern. About how much Volkswagen has invested in local production and how much to invest, #39;said the head of Volkswagen Group Rus `Marcus Ozegovich.
- Last week, Volkswagen announced plans to invest in the Russian production of 1 billion euros. This is an investment only or the entire Volkswagen Group? On what would these funds?
- These investments - investments of the Volkswagen Group for all of our brands. To date, we have invested more than 1 billion euros in the development of production in Russia - in Kaluga plant and production lines in Nizhny Novgorod factory GAZ Group. We plan to invest a further 1 billion euros, which will be spent on the construction of an engine plant and assembly of new models of existing plants: updated lineup, changeovers, the investment in our suppliers, so we could get from them the necessary components.
- How is the construction of an engine plant?
- We chose the site for the construction of the plant was evaluated several proposals of different regions and chose the site in Kaluga, near our car factory. While it did not, the open field. We would like to begin construction in the near future and to make foundation work before winter.
The engines will be used on cars that we produce in Russia, namely on the cars of Skoda and Volkswagen, the Audi is not planned.
- Will the opening of engine production in Russia in the cost of cars Volkswagen?
- Construction of the plant - it#39;s part of our obligations under the terms of the agreement on industrial assembly. We must build a plant with capacity of 150 thousand engines, but in fact it is a small amount. If in the long term, Russia will be able to create an industry for the production of automotive parts to reduce the cost of auto components, it is possible that in the future will be able to lower the cost of the engine.
At the moment, the price of auto parts in Russia is higher than in Europe, so the engines will not be cheap.
- Last week it became known that the Kaluga plant will launch production of Volkswagen cars Audi.
- Indeed, in the Kaluga next year will be organized SKD cars Audi. Kaluga plant is now the entire group, which is now the build Volkswagen and Skoda, but we will also see there and Audi. One reason is the Russian government#39;s decision to acquire a unit cars produced in Russia.
We want to make part of Audi cars in Russia.
- A plan to build Audi on a full cycle?
- We do not plan to organize in Kaluga CKD assembly of cars Audi. We always appreciate the situation - every year - and are looking for different ways to optimize production.
- Many experts claim that the Audi assembled in Russia will become cheaper. Is this true?
- Optional. The price depends on the market situation and the actions of competitors, and Audi has always compares himself with BMW and Mercedes. With regard to the production process SKD, the total value of its imports exceeds the value of the car.
That is, we spend more on the process than on the import of cars.
- How much you currently have dealers in Russia, and whether you plan to expand its dealer network?
- At present, the number of dealers of all our brands is about 370 businesses. Of course, we want to continue to expand our dealer network. At the same time we want to grow in the small town.
At the moment, most small Russian town, where we are represented, has an estimated 180 thousand inhabitants. We plan to expand into even smaller towns, to expand our presence in the Russian market. We are interested in each region.
- How is the collaboration with a group of gas?
- We are very pleased to be working with a group of GAS. Everything is fine, everything is going according to plan, the equipment is installed in time.
- Russia became a member of the WTO. Do you think it will not hurt the automotive industry in Russia?
- Accession to the WTO - a perfect opportunity for the Russian automotive industry, because it increases competition, reduces prices and increases the efficiency of enterprises. This is exactly what is required for the effective Russian car industry development.
- How do you feel about the idea of the Russian government to introduce from September 1, recycling fees?
- Recycling fees are imposed on imported vehicles - both new and used. For me, as an importer of cars, this means that the reduction of fees caused by Russia#39;s entry into the WTO, this will be offset by additional recycling. But as for the car manufacturer, this means that I have to take responsibility for the recycling of vehicles. But I support the protection of the environment, and I would like to see Russia as soon as possible was introduced at least Euro-4 standard, not to mention the Euro 5.
