Photo: neftegaz.ru
BMW and Mercedes-Benz's booming sales in Russia last year have determined the Moscow Government to consider a domestic luxury rival for the German makes.
According to Automotive News, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov has asked Russian automakers ZiL, GAZ and Marussia Motors, under state support promises, to develop manufacturing proposals for a luxury car brand.
"I hope that by the end of the first half we will have a vision of which scenario we want to take," said Manturov.
Zil officials, who are currently focused on building an armored limousine for President Vladimir Putin, said they would ponder the idea if there is a market demand, while GAZ representatives declined any comment on the project. Marussia Motors are said to be already working on the Government's proposal, but we wouldn't bet on a supercar maker to radically resume to luxury sedans just yet.
BMW's Russian sales went up 33 percent in 2012 (37,515 units), while Mercedes-Benz saw an increase of 29 percent (37,426 vehicles).
Story via Automotive News
"I hope that by the end of the first half we will have a vision of which scenario we want to take," said Manturov.
Zil officials, who are currently focused on building an armored limousine for President Vladimir Putin, said they would ponder the idea if there is a market demand, while GAZ representatives declined any comment on the project. Marussia Motors are said to be already working on the Government's proposal, but we wouldn't bet on a supercar maker to radically resume to luxury sedans just yet.
BMW's Russian sales went up 33 percent in 2012 (37,515 units), while Mercedes-Benz saw an increase of 29 percent (37,426 vehicles).
Story via Automotive News
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