|  Today, the Moscow Motor show opened its doors its doors to the public. This time, it is the Russian of more modest means who has the attention of the world's carmakers, keen to profit from one of Europe's few growing markets," says Reuters, reporting from the show.
Western carmakers target a growing mass-market in the 140 million country. Offerings " range from the sub-$10,000 compacts which Renault and Nissan are pushing out under the rejuvenated, Soviet-era Lada brand of their Russian unit AvtoVaz to well-appointed, mid-range sedans and passenger vans aimed at the burgeoning middle class," Reuters says.
 With a Mazda6 being the star of the show, the really big ticket announcements were limited to investments by carmakers.
 Volkswagen announced plans to double its investment in Russia to 2 billion euros by 2018. For that, Reuters already called Volkswagen a bit prematurely "the world's largest car maker."
 GM wants to more than double production to 230,000 vehicles per year at its St Petersburg plant, and is seen raising Niva output to 120,000 per year from 70,000.
 Renault and Nissan signed a deal in May to take effective control of AvtoVAZ and wants to revive the Lada brand, Russia's volume leader with nearly 600,000 sales last year. Says Reuters:
"The latest, curvy Lada Kalina supermini was shown off by young women in sporty minidresses. But the big selling point will be prices starting around 300,000 roubles – under $10,000. "            
from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com | 
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