Renault-Nissan Alliance and AVTOVAZ have opened the new EUR400m car manufacturing plant in Togliatti, Russia.
The company said that the Lada Largus multi-purpose van is the first car off the new line from the AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti.
By 2016, the new production line is expected to achieve production capacity of at least 1.6 million vehicles per year in Russia.
The new 250,000sq m plant will produce 350,000 units per year for the three brands, Renault, Nissan and AVTOVAZ, beginning with two new Lada models, followed by a Nissan vehicle later in 2012, and two Renaults in 2013.
According to both the companies, five different models will be built across the three companies, reducing costs while preserving the unique characteristics of each brand.
Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said the company's collaboration is deepening every day and increasing economies of scale across the Alliance.
The partnership between the two companies started in 2008 with Renault acquiring 25% stake in AVTOVAZ and starting the transfer of technology and know-how to AVTOVAZ manufacturing facilities.
