Vladimir Putin Inaugurates Newest Russian Assembly Line, Marking Latest Milestone in Renault-Nissan and AVTOVAZ Partnership

Togliatti, Russia (ots/PRNewswire) -

- EUR400 million investment generates capacity of up to 350,000 cars
annually across three brands.
- After Lada Largus, separate models from Nissan and Renault will follow.
- This new production line contributes to the three partners' common goal:
achieve capacity of at least 1.6 million vehicles per year in Russia by 2016.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inaugurated a new car
manufacturing facility today, marking the latest milestone in the
expanding Renault-Nissan Alliance and AVTOVAZ partnership.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-b )

Executives including AVTOVAZ President Igor Komarov, Renault
Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares and Nissan Chief Operating
Officer Toshiyuki Shiga hosted Putin at the "Job One" ceremony at the
AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti, the largest assembly plant in the world.
The first car off the new line was the Lada Largus multi-purpose van.

EUR400 million were invested into this 250,000-square-meter
industrial complex, which will take full advantage of the
Renault-Nissan Alliance's expertise in engineering and cost savings.
The complex hosts the new production line inaugurated today. The line
has a maximum capacity of 350,000 cars per year and will produce
vehicles for the three brands - Renault, Nissan and AVTOVAZ.
Production starts with two new Lada models, followed by a Nissan
vehicle later in 2012, and two Renaults in 2013. Five separate models
will be produced across the three companies, reducing costs while
preserving the unique characteristics of each brand.

"Our collaboration is deepening every day and increasing
economies of scale across the Alliance," said Renault-Nissan Alliance
CEO and Chairman Carlos Ghosn. "It's a win-win for all parties - and
the benefits keep accelerating as Russia becomes Europe's economic
engine of growth."

A solid partnership

The partnership started in 2008, when Renault bought a 25% stake
in AVTOVAZ and began the transfer of technology and know-how to
AVTOVAZ manufacturing facilities.

"We initiated our project of a common production line in
Togliatti two years ago, in the most difficult times for the economy
- so it's a great honor to see it come to fruition today," said
AVTOVAZ President Igor Komarov. "Our partnership continues to grow
deeper by the day."

For the full release, click here:

http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/sites/default/files/20120
4_The_Alliance_Press_Release.pdf

http://blog-alliance-renault-nissan.com

Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120404/523582-b

ots Originaltext: Renault-Nissan
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Media contact: Renault-Nissan Alliance, Mia Nielsen:
+33-(0)6-10-83-31-33, mia.nielsen@renault.com