Nissan to Produce New Almera in Russia

ROLLE, Switzerland, February 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

•    Upscale affordable sedan to compete in the growing mainstream Russian segment

•    First Nissan model developed for Russia and to be manufactured locally in Togliatti

•    One of the key models contributing to the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan

•    Underlines Nissan's long-term commitment to the Russian market

Nissan today confirmed it will launch a new mainstream model developed exclusively for Russia and manufactured locally in Togliatti.

The upscale, affordable sedan will wear the famous 'Almera' badge and will mark Nissan's entry into the increasingly important mainstream market following its sales launch early next year.

Almera was developed by Nissan engineering teams in Japan, the UK and Russia, and will be one of the most spacious sedans within the Russian mainstream segment offering distinctive Nissan styling and engineering at outstanding value.

Russia is already Nissan's largest European market and in Calendar Year 2011, sales increased year-on-year by 75% to more than 138,000 units. This performance established Nissan as Russia's largest Japanese manufacturer with a 5.2% share of the overall market and around 7.5% share amongst overseas brands.

Almera represents part of a comprehensive industrial strategy for Nissan in Russia and underlines the company's long-term commitment to the market. Last year the Nissan factory in St Petersburg produced more than 43,000 business class Nissan Teana and Nissan Murano models, alongside X-Trail - one of the best-selling medium-sized SUVs in the country.

Almera will be manufactured in Togliatti on an all-new production line following training of staff by Nissan engineers.  New Paint and Body Shop facilities will also be opened at the plant ahead of Almera's production launch in November.

François Goupil De Bouille, Nissan Managing Director for Russia, commented: "As part of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan, we want to significantly increase our share of the overall Russian car market by 2016. Models like Almera will be crucial to our success."

"Nissan already offers one of the broadest model line-ups of any foreign manufacturer in Russia, but to date we have not been strongly represented in the fastest growing mainstream market.  

"Almera will change that and bring something new to the segment by offering outstanding value, unique Japanese design, interior space not previously available in this market sector and world-class quality.

"The fact this is a car developed specifically for Russia, and manufactured locally in Togliatti, ensures it will fully meet the expectations and desires of our customers."

The Nissan Almera sedan will be unveiled at a global premiere at this year's Moscow International Autosalon on August 29th.

Nissan in Russia

Russia is Nissan's largest single European market and is a key focus for expansion under the company's 'Nissan Power 88' mid-term plan. Nissan is already established as Russia's top-selling Japanese brand and currently holds over 5.0% of the overall market. Last year St Petersburg plant's 1600 -strong workforce produced more than 43,000 X-Trails, Teanas and Muranos for sale within Russia.

Nissan in Europe

Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 13,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

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