Sollers forges future strategy for UAZ

MOSCOW, Russia - Kommersant, a Russian daily reports that Sollers is in the process of setting up a longer-term strategy for UAZ, an SUV and light-truck producer in Ulyanovsk.

UAZ, which produced 56400 vehicles last year is in dire need of a revamped model range. Its LCV range was originally introduced in 1961. Even its latest model, the Patriot can trace its roots back to the 1990s Simbir.

Sollers, which recently formed joint ventures with Ford and Toyota also enjoys a good relationship with Ssangyong, a South Korean off-roader specialist. So it comes as no surprise that new UAZ models may be based on outgoing Ssangyong technology. It may cost EUR 100 million to take over an old platform.

TagAZ, a contract assembler in Taganrong has already taken over production line of the old Ssangyong Korando and Musso.