Toyota RAV4 to be produced in Russia as of 2016

Saint Petersburg, September 18, 2013: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Russia (TMMR), Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has announced today that it will start local production of the current-generation Toyota RAV4 model as of 2016. Production is destined for Russia and Belarus. The RAV4 joins the Camry that has been produced since the start of operations of TMMR in 2007. This second model represents an investment of RUB 5.9 billion (135 million euros/Rs 1,160 crore) and in an initial stage additional employment is estimated to be 800 people. Including this new investment, total investment at TMMR will be around RUB 16 billion (370 million euros/Rs 3,180 crore).

The decision to add the RAV4 production to TMMR’s operations has been made following the strong sales of this vehicle in Russia. Since its launch in Russia in 2002, the RAV4 has become very popular with Russian buyers. Not only does it lead the C-SUV segment, the car has even become Toyota’s best-seller across all segments in Russia. The RAV4 is part of Toyota’s ‘mass premium’ brand strategy in Russia with a line-up of stylish, safe and reliable cars.

Yoshinori Matsunaga, TMMR general director, said: “This decision is a sign of trust for our employees and recognition of TMMR’s efforts for the last 6 years to produce high-quality Toyota vehicles. RAV4 introduction is key to our sustainable growth strategy in Russia.”

Didier Leroy, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “By localising the production of RAV4 at TMMR, we further commit to continuing our contributions to the development of the Russian automobile industry and providing products that satisfy Russian consumers.”

End-2007 Toyota started producing Camry vehicles locally in its plant in Saint Petersburg. In 2011 the new Camry model was introduced. A year later, in 2012, TMMR saw the start of a second shift and started supply of Camry vehicles to neighbouring Kazakhstan. As a result, TMMR’s production volume doubled in 2012 compared to 2011 figures, totalling approximately 28,400 units (versus approximately 14,100 units in 2011).