On 27th November in Togliatti CJSC "GM-AVTOVAZ" was introduced to local authorities. That was done in comply with legislation, which requires a launch of joint venture in order to let city community get acquainted with company plans. Joint Venture specialists reported about JV policy, production plans and current situation to representatives of city administration, legislative power, political parties and mass media.
       Production
       For all the production shops the contracts for equipment supply are signed. On 23rd September, 2002 an assembly shop will start its work, on 30th March, 2003 the painting shop will be launched. Until then car bodies will be painted at AVTOVAZ. By the year 2004 JV will reach the production capacity of 26 thousands cars per annum.
       Investment
       The whole sum of investments only in Togliatti amounts to 104mln. Euro.
       Personnel
       The quantity of workers in JV will not exceed 1200. Apart from this, there will be more than 1770 work places in supply area and 500 work places in service area created.
       Perspectives
       In 2003 it is planned to start production of "Chevrolet-Niva" for export in Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Asia. In 2004 there will be economic and marketing analysis held concerning Opel Astra production in Togliatti. The next stage is production of "Chevrolet-Niva" modifications: pickups and vans. After that new projects will be carried out.
       As General Director of GM-AVTOVAZ John Mylonas emphasized, this is the first time GM makes such a significant investment in Russian model production. Moreover, GM calls AVTOVAZ the best and the most reliable partner in Russia. GM executives also highlighted the key tasks of JV: implementing new quality philosophy, organizing the cost-effective production and supply systems, strengthening the trust of foreign companies in Russian economy, especially in Samara Region.