27.8.2003
Hummer H2 assembled in Russia

General Motors and automotive producer Avtotor today signed a General Framework Agreement for the assembly of Hummer H2 vehicles by Avtotor in Kaliningrad. The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Premier, Mr. Boris Alyoshin and Minister of Industry, Science & Technology, Mr. Ilya Klebanov, during the 6th Moscow International Motor Show.

After the ceremony, GM CIS General Director, Heidi McCormack, confirmed GM's commitment to a timely and successful realization of the project located in the city of Kaliningrad, Western enclave of Russian Federation, bordering Lithuania and Poland and said: "Bringing the H2 to Russia is an exciting step for GM. The Russian market is experiencing dynamic growth and the customer base for the H2 is strong. The H2 is a powerful entry into the Luxury SUV class and stands alone as a very unique product offering. There's already a lot of interest in this vehicle."

Vladimir Scherbakov, Chairman of Avtotor's Board of Directors, expressed that the Hummer H2 project is very special for Avtotor and the Kaliningrad region due to the potential of H2 sales in the Russian Federation and the cache of the brand and said: "Realization of this new automotive project has become possible due to the good investment climate in Russia and the improved economic situation of the country. Cooperation with the world's leading automaker gives Avtotor a unique chance to establish a new level of high-quality car assembly in Russia, and provides Russian market with an exciting and attractive product".

The new project is another pillar in the Hummer export strategy with planned assembly by Avtotor of 200-400 cars per annum. There are no plans to export Kaliningrad built cars to other markets. The Hummer H2 is sold in the European market through GM approved private importers in Sweden, Norway, UK, Switzerland, France and Italy. GM also plans to export the H2 to the Middle East and Japan.

The H2 debuted in 2002 in the U.S. and sold 18,861 units. Sales in the 1st half of 2003 exceeded 28, 000 cars produced at the Mishawaka, Indiana, plant. H2 takes the rugged heritage of the H1, offering unparalleled SUV capability and refining it by adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership. It is a bold and youthful interpretation of what Hummer means in a more "civilized" package. Its extreme design ensures that H2 has the eye-catching appearance – and brand recognition – of the H1.

Russia is one of very few countries in the world with sales exceeding one million units annually. General Motors Corporation is already present in the Russian market, officially distributing the GM brands Opel, Saab, Chevrolet and Cadillac, and in the GM-Avtovaz joint venture, partnering with Russian car manufacturer Avtovaz and the EBRD, producing the Chevrolet Niva in city of Togliatti, 1.200 km South of Moscow. Avtotor is a major producer in the Russian automotive industry. Since May 1997, it has produced approximately 25,000 cars of two major global brands.