Nissan plans second shift at St. Petersburg plant in Russia

Nissan has announced the launch of a second shift at its manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, Russia, reflecting the positive growth outlook for the country's car market. The forecasted improvement of the Russian market this year will see the second shift added in St. Petersburg from October, providing opportunities for new recruits, returning employees and promotions for current staffers.

Recruitment of 450 new employees and a forecasted improvement in the Russian market this year was outlined yesterday to V V Putin, the president of the Russian Federation, at the International Industrial Fair INNOPROM being held from July 10-13.

The Russian president was greeted at the Nissan stand by Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan senior vice-president and chief sustainability officer; Paul Willcox, Nissan Europe chairman; and James Wright, vice-president of Nissan Europe East.

In 2017, there have been signs of a revival of the Russian car market, with vehicles sales in Russian showing a positive trend since March. Overall market growth of 9.4% was recorded in March, 6.9% in April, 14.7% in May and in June – 15%. Nissan sales in Russia have followed this trend, increasing in April, May and June by 11%, 7% and 15% respectively.

"Russia has always been and remains a key strategic market for Nissan," said Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe. "Our goal remains to develop local production, increase the level of parts localisation and expand export projects. This year we expect to increase production in St. Petersburg by nearly a quarter compared to last year, where the Nissan team continue to make a strong contribution to our business."

Last year the Nissan plant in St. Petersburg celebrated its 10th anniversary and production of the 250,000th vehicle. In 2016, more than 36,458 units rolled off the production line, an increase of 8% from 2015. This result is due to the launch of production of two significant models: the Qashqai (November 2015) and new-generation Murano (June 2016). In 2016, a total of 79,066 Nissan vehicles were manufactured in Russia, exporting to the Republic of Kazakstan, the Republic of Belarus, Lebanon (from June 2016, Datsun only) and Azerbaijan (from November 2016).

Meanwhile, Nissan says it is continuing to study the market conditions and infrastructure development in Russia, with the aim of introducing the Leaf, the world's best-selling EV, to the country.