The Moscow plant “Renault Russia” (former Avtoframos) stopped to assemble cars on December 11 because of the adjustments of the production volume. It is planned to resume manufacturing cars after the New Year holidays. The new Logan and Sandero models are being produced by AvtoVAZ in Togliatti in the usual course now.
The body shop of the Ford Plant in Vsevolozhsk has already ceased its work and the assembly line will be halted within the next few days. According to preliminary information, the Volkswagen plant in Kaluga will suspend production next week.
“PSMA Rus” in Kaluga manufacturing the Peugeot, Citroen, and Mitsubishi cars has stopped to do it. Almost all employees of this enterprise had to go on vacations. The restart of the production line is to take place after the holidays.
The General Motors plant in St. Petersburg leaves open the possibility to suspend production. The enterprise has already discharged most of its employees: according to the data of the trade unions, the number of workers has reduced from 2700 in early 2014 to 500-600 people.
The critical situation at the Russian car market has been escalated within the last few days after the sharp fall in the ruble. In spite of the great demand for new vehicles in November and December, several brands and dealers are stopping sales because of the uncertainty with prices. They expect a significant increase in car prices and sharp slump in demand at the beginning of 2015.
