Production
Production of the GAZ Siber began on 28 March 2008, with a steady production level reached by 25 July 2008. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the factory on the eve of production, along with dignitaries from the state of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
20,000 Sibers were planned for production in 2008, with 40,000 planned for 2009. Eventual yearly production was desired to reach the plant capacity of 100,000 vehicles per year. On 29 August 2008, GAZ began fleet sales of the Siber — to government employees, businessmen, and the Russian bank Sberbank.
For production of the Siber, a superceded assembly line was relocated from Chrysler's plant in the USA. The GAZ plant assembly line approximated the layout of the former Chrysler plant, with assembly workers having completed a comprehensive professional training program abroad. Engineers from Magna International assisted in transfer of the assembly line and employee training.
At first, mostly imported parts were used in vehicle assembly. Domestic (Russian-built) components were used only when their quality has met or exceeded their imported counterparts. The engines were purchased from Chrysler.
Due to the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, demand for Siber fell and production eneded in November 2010. In total about 9000 cars were produced during the 2008-2010 production run.
The production of the older GAZ Volga 31105 ended in Summer 2010. There will be no further car models under this brand.
Read more about this topic: Volga Siber
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