Relentless deal maker Carlos Ghosn has never stopped looking for any partnership that would give Renault a plum position in a profitable market. Already close to a Nissan deal with Chrysler working on Renault and Nissan deals in the Middle East, his latest paramour is in Russia. Ghosn has secured himself and four Renault managers seats on the board of AvtoVaz -- the company which, as you're all aware, is more popularly known for the name of its signature vehicle: the Lada. Ghosn's idea is that Russia will be the hottest thing going in two years, so he needs to book his place now. Renault will take a 25-percent stake in AvtoVaz, and the board members from Renault will be focused on technology and cost-cutting issues. AvtoVaz will still be led by its Russian majority shareholders -- one of which is the State -- but will benefit from the expertise of one of the most efficient men in the business. To boot, they are also in talks with Renault about assembling Logans and Meganes. Who knows -- if Russia really does become that important and AvtoVaz proves itself with the hatchbacks, perhaps it'll get a shot at a Lada GT-R?
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chaz @ Feb 13th 2008 8:37PM
Another good move by Le Cost Cutter, but hopefully it's not as bad for customers as some of his others.
Franz @ Feb 13th 2008 8:57PM
Ditto. I believe that Nissan will be back to the glory days of twin turbo Z cars and Silvias once there's more corporate cash available. This could turn out to be very good move.
Seminole @ Feb 13th 2008 9:03PM
It it just me or does he look like Mr. Bean?
Guenther @ Feb 13th 2008 10:30PM
Bean. Mr Bean.
Just to clarify- Lada is a brand that once included several vehicles, the most well known on our shores being the Niva 4x4: Underpowered and downright shoddy in many ways, but just to simple to break.
hydrogenvodka @ Feb 14th 2008 12:37AM
I'm buying a LAda GT-R for myself. What about a 480 bhp 6,000 dollar car?
Jonny @ Feb 14th 2008 1:36AM
He reminds me of the Grinch
Gary Lowe @ Feb 14th 2008 5:58AM
With Nissan's bargain basement approach to quality and fit and finish, what's a Russian built Sentra going to be like?
Like the last great savior, perhaps it would have been better if Ghosn had ascended to heaven after resurrecting Nissan.
ronnie @ Feb 14th 2008 6:31AM
Founded in 1970, AVTOVAZ became established in Western Europe through selling its Lada models in large quantities during the 1980s. Domestic political movements at that time prompted the rise of secondhand international car sales in its home market and also contributed to AVTOVAZ's success. Internal management restructuring in the late 1990s ensures that the company can react flexibly to the rapidly changing Russian economy as well as developments in the international automotive industry.
Its a good thing you have now!!! Just really wondering what happened while your on Russia.
http://cars.ozfreeonline.com/
John R @ Feb 14th 2008 6:58AM
Is that Ghosn eHarmony photo?
Stéphane Dumas @ Feb 14th 2008 7:07AM
I wonder if someone read Pete DeLorenzo's Autoextremist's rant of the week? http://www.autoextremist.com little hint: there some mentions of Ghosn's possible next move
triturbo @ Feb 14th 2008 7:36AM
There is already Lada GT-R :D Here it is:http://www.chromjuwelen.com/de/szene/engine-swap-lada-/-rb26dett-nissan-skyline-gt-r.html
John R @ Feb 14th 2008 9:17AM
that is kick ass
tuna @ Feb 14th 2008 1:10PM
Personally, I would love to have a slightly updated and more reliable Lada Niva. I don't care which marque it comes to the states with. Just as long as it gets here. I'd love a functional, low cost daily driver that is capable of going off road for those outdoor excursions. I mean think about it, it's an affordable subcompact that offers the functionality and utility of a SUV. Right now there is no such thing available.
Please, someone... anyone make a car like the Lada Niva.