OREANDA-NEWS. October 05, 2012. Gorky Automobile Plant of GAZ Group – the largest Russian automotive manufacturer and leader in the Russian commercial vehicles market – celebrates its 80th anniversary. The plant’s anniversary coincides with the Engineering Worker's Day that is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday of September. Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Arkady Dvorkovich and Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region Valery Shantsev congratulated the workers of the plant on its anniversary. At GAZ the guests learnt about the plant’s key investment projects that are under way, reported the press-centre of GAZ.

At Gorky Automobile Plant Arkady Dvorkovich saw GAZelle NEXT new-generation light commercial vehicles that will broaden GAZ vehicles range for Russian businesses and export markets.The Vice Prime Minister also saw an exposition of the most popular commercial vehicles in Russia – GAZelle and Sobol of the BUSINESS family, as well as specialty vehicles on their platform required in various industries, businesses, utilities and public transportation.

At GAZ Arkady Dvorkovich learnt about the status of industrial partnership projects with the leading global automakers Volkswagen, General Motors and Daimler. Cooperation with the international companies with total investments in the amount of approximately EUR500 million will make it possible to upgrade about 200 thousand sq.m. of the plant’s production space, to secure employment for 5,000 employees and to master the best standards of international auto industry to develop the plant’s own model range.

Congratulating GAZ workers on 80th anniversary of the plant, Arkady Dvorkovich said that Gorky Automobile Plant is rightly called one of the most successful and long-standing flagships of the Russian automotive industry and Russian economy: "It is the first time I have visited GAZ and I am very impressed with what I have seen. I saw photographs of old shops, and today I have seen how they look now. A conclusion can be made that the management and workers of the plant love their job. They do everything to make sure it is not just effective production, but what is most important to make sure that the workers feel comfortable in these shops. I have seen that the people are really taken care of at GAZ. On its part, the Government of Russia will support the plant, stimulate demand for its products, encourage the workers, including granting of state awards. Honor to all workers of this plant, who put their heart and zeal into their work to give good vehicles to our people! On this holiday I would like to wish new successes and prosperity to Gorky Automobile Plant".

Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region Valery Shantsev: "GAZ is one of the plants that are rightly considered legendary. 80 years ago, in January 1932, the first Russian vehicles rolled off the plant's assembly line. Years passed, the country and people changed, and brands of vehicles (there are more than 18 million of vehicles now) changed with them. Continuous development and production innovations guarantee the plant's competitive advantages and therefore a stable future. However the main asset of the plant is people. GAZ has the right to be proud of its highly professional team! I wish you continued success and prosperity"!

GAZ Group President/CEO Bo Andersson: “GAZ is creating its new history now. Today the plant manufactures the best light commercial vehicles in the country and it is a reliable partner of the leading international automakers, dealers and suppliers. Our main priorities remain to satisfy the customers’ needs, to improve quality of vehicles and launch new products. The success of GAZ today and future development are based on it. I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to all employees and veterans of Gorky Automobile Plant for their work, high professionalism, keeping traditions and reaching new heights.”