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.
The Mazda6 is the star of the show. “One of the curious things about the new car is just how large it is,” says just-auto [sub]. “Especially when it won’t be made in the US or sell in big numbers there, which would have made the dimensions understandable. Its 2,830mm wheelbase is only 20mm shorter than that of the soon to be replaced Ford Mondeo, and compares to 2,775mm for the Toyota Camry and 2,803mm for Volkswagen of America’s Passat/Shanghai VW’s New Passat (the famously lengthy first generation Škoda Superb also had a 2,803mm wheelbase).”
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 will also spend $1 billion over the next five years to ramp up output in Russia. GM plans to more than double production to 230,000 vehicles per year at its St Petersburg plant, and is seen raising out put at its Niva plant to 120,000 per year from 70,000.
Renault sees Russia to become its second largest market. 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. “
Wow, that RR Phantom Coupe dash is full of sex.
At first glance, I thought so, too.
But after a more careful study, I think it’s utter failure.
I can’t stand the many contrasting colors and materials that have nothing to harmonize them, and the extensive use of all the silver surface has really come to a laughable and sad level (whether real metals in aspirational models or faux-metal in mainsteam people movers).
Some will claim I’m too critical, but I guess I’m just the kind of person that would expect far truer distinction and qualitative differences in a vehicle that is priced at 10x to 14x the average new vehicle MSRP.
Oh well, those who want the badge and can afford the bill may or may not agree, so I may or may not be making a relevant point in the current times.
It’s hideous. I guess money can’t buy taste, even at Rolls Royce…
Well, buyer can specify every finish separately, so with little restraint better result is possible. This for example is much better looking IMHO:
http://theignitionpoint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/phantom-dash-2.jpg
waooow! nice car show, I saw ever in my life. New designs and models are so good to see specially second and last one. It may be a big source of new taxi cabs services any company may provide for her good earning. Any taxi cab service provider may be much good and excellent, if include these cars in her special services.
That Caddy. I want that caddy bad.