The launch of car production on the new platform will become possible only after the environmental standard "Euro-5" comes into effect in Russia. This information was announced by representatives of the company "Sollers" in an interview with the publication "Kommersant".
In addition to purchasing a ready-made base for cars, the automaker is also studying the possibility of creating a base together with Korean partners. According to experts, a license for such a platform will cost "Sollers" 100 million euros — but only if it is not the latest development. For example, "AvtoVAZ" paid 220 million euros for the use of the Renault B0 platform, which formed the basis of the Renault Logan sedan.
According to specialists, purchasing a platform is the only way for the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant to refresh its model range. It is worth noting that the current debt of "Sollers" exceeds 704 million dollars, and the company itself recorded losses for three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010 inclusive.
It is worth recalling that the Gorky Automobile Plant already had experience in producing the Volga Siber model, which was based on a foreign platform — from Chrysler Sebring. However, in 2010 this project was discontinued due to weak buyer interest in this car. In addition, "AvtoVAZ" announced plans to start production of a minivan and van based on the Renault B0 platform from 2012.
