Opel Corsa to be built in Belarus in 2014

The Opel will start producing the Opel Corsa and Belarus in 2014. The framework agreement signed last week between James Bovenzi, President and CEO of GM Russia and CIS, and Dmitry Egorov, General Director of JV UNISON JSC. The assembly will take place at the premises of UNISON in Belarus.

The cars will be produced will be sold in the markets of the Russian Eurasian Union (Customs Union Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan). The Peter Thom, Vice President of European Production of Opel, pleased with the agreement with UNISON said:

Now manufactures the Opel Corsa in Belarus according to our Office – Production at the site of sale. Moreover, the provision of assembly kits in a growing market means increased business for our facilities in Eisenach and Zaragoza.

All Versions Opel Corsa currently in the Russian market are scheduled for production. The model OPC – which continues to be imported from Western Europe – will be a unique exception. The British-Belarusian company UNISON with the help executives Opel will buy, assemble and install all the necessary equipment to start assembling the new model and also will train the staff in accordance with the Principles of global production of GM and the strict control instructions quality. The Corsa will be delivered in the form of kit assembly, called SKD-kits (Semi Knocked Down), the Opel plants in Eisenach / Germany (3i) and Zaragoza / Spain (5i). The vehicles are completed in Belarus. Planned 7000 assembly units in the first year of production.

The James Bovenzi, President & CEO of GM Russia & CIS commented:

We are happy to begin cooperation with UNISON recognizing the long expertise in assembly, excellent professionalism of its staff and the perfect position to supply parts from Europe and the movement of finished goods to the markets of the Russian Eurasian Union.

The Alexey V. Vaganov, Supervisory Board Chairman UNISON JSC added:

We would like to thank the company chose our factory to produce the Opel Corsa. The agreement will be in effect until 2017 gives the opportunity to increase the available range of models.