While the rest of the European markets have struggled to get into the double digits this year, Russia has gone from strength to strength. Back in 2009, when the global economic crisis kicked off, the car industry there halved, but it has been quick to pick itself back up, due in part to the fact that the government is taking an active approach.
Ford also believes tough times are ahead of us, but it expects sales in Russia to hold strong, according to the new chief of the joint venture there, who was interviewed by Automotive News Europe.
"It seems the Russian market does not have any jitters. Demand remains strong," said Ted Cannis, who took over as the new CEO of the joint venture between Ford and Russian carmaker Sollers last month.
The CEO expects sales to sit at a comfortable 2.6 to 2.7 million this year, well above the original Association of European Businesses (AEB) forecast of 2.45 million.
"The government is being very proactive with its auto industry, which doesn't always happen. It is trying to construct a business, bringing in expertise, infrastructure and experience," said Cannis, who has worked in Turkey, Brazil and Argentina during his 20-year career at Ford. "We met with the government over the past two days and (if anything) were more reassured."
"It seems the Russian market does not have any jitters. Demand remains strong," said Ted Cannis, who took over as the new CEO of the joint venture between Ford and Russian carmaker Sollers last month.
The CEO expects sales to sit at a comfortable 2.6 to 2.7 million this year, well above the original Association of European Businesses (AEB) forecast of 2.45 million.
"The government is being very proactive with its auto industry, which doesn't always happen. It is trying to construct a business, bringing in expertise, infrastructure and experience," said Cannis, who has worked in Turkey, Brazil and Argentina during his 20-year career at Ford. "We met with the government over the past two days and (if anything) were more reassured."
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