The launch of a new GAZelle Next van production line
During his visit, the Prime Minister inspected the Volkswagen/Skoda welding shop. Stopping at one shop area, he watched structural side panels being installed.
Visit to the welding shop of the Gorky Automobile Plant
The Prime Minister was shown a trim line and a conveyor belt that was moving finished items elsewhere.
Dmitry Medvedev inspected a quality control centre where high-precision automated instruments gauge items for conformity to standards. A Skoda Yeti’s hood and door were measured in his presence.
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The launch of a new GAZelle Next van production line
The Prime Minister was told how the new model was developed and appreciated its advantages. He pressed a symbolic start button. After that he signed his name on the hood of a new GAZelle Next.
Dmitry Medvedev’s speech at the car launch ceremony:
Good afternoon, friends! Good afternoon, colleagues! I want to congratulate you on the launch of production of the Gazelle Next. The launch of a new model is always an exciting event. The volume of investment is pretty decent, about 3 billion roubles, but most importantly, this is really an investment in the future and the name of the model itself is evidence of this. I hope that this model will be competitive.
It is crucial that you upgrade the production base and adopt so-called flexible plant technology, something which I have just been briefed on in detail. These kinds of modern production lines make it possible to rapidly change production and quickly respond to changing demand, which is probably the most important thing in the world today.
Dmitry Medvedev: Production must increase despite the difficulties that currently exist in the global market. By the way, we have some facts – over the last 10 years, labour productivity has quadrupled. This growth is a general indicator of our economy. Currently, we are making similar changes in virtually all industrial sectors, and here GAZ is a great example for other sectors to follow.
GAZ has always been a flagship of our Russian auto industry, and will remain so, of that I’m absolutely certain. Over 300 vehicle modifications, an extensive range of load capacity – this is impressive; this is an achievement of recent years. Most importantly, GAZ production is in demand among a wide range of consumers – small and medium-sized businesses, utilities services, emergency services and law-enforcement agencies. I’m sure that our models have a bright future both in Russia and hopefully abroad.
Production must increase despite the difficulties that currently exist in the global market. By the way, we have some facts – over the last 10 years, labour productivity has quadrupled. This growth is a general indicator of our economy. Currently, we are making similar changes in virtually all industrial sectors, and here GAZ is a great example for other sectors to follow.
Of course, we have to pay attention to energy-saving technologies and professional training, which is something that you are in fact already doing, not only on your production sites but also in foreign car-making facilities. I’m sure that all this will give you a competitive edge.
I congratulate you again on the launch of the new model. I’m sure it is promising and has a place in the market. And, of course, I want to wish you all a safe journey – all those who are working, who have invested part of their souls into the new model. Let’s get started.