ST PETERSBURG, Russia - Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Russia (HMMR) has launched mass production of the Solaris C-segment sedan at its manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg. The company plans to build 75-80,000 units of the Solaris this year, including its hatchback derivatives, which is expected to enter production in 1H2011.
The Solaris will be offered with two powertrain options, including a 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre in-line four cylinder petrol engine, capable of 105 and 123 hp. Both engines are connected to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The localisation rate of the car will be at 40%, while the company aims to increase the rate of locally-made parts to 50% by 2013.
Annual production capacity of HMMR is 105,000 vehicles in 2011, which will increase to 150,000 units in 2012 as the plant will introduce three working shifts. Currently about 2,000 workers are engaged in production of cars and components at HMMR and its eleven local suppliers. The number of employees is expected to increase to 5,300 by 2012.
The facility plans to add another model, possibly the next generation Kia Rio, to its lineup this autumn.
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