(NUI) - With Russia's middle class continuing to grow in size and prosperity, the demand for new automobiles is constantly increasing. While plenty of little Volga sedans still roam the streets of Russian cities, a number of American cars are joining them.

Ford has built a $150 million factory near St. Petersburg, Russia, where the 1,250 workers assembled 25,000 Focus models in 2003. And soon, that number may climb to 100,000 a year. The Russian version of the Ford Focus uses some parts from local suppliers.

Import sales in 2003 doubled the 80,000 mark set in 2002. And the total is expected to grow to 210,000 this year. Helping to reach that number, General Motors expects to ship 500 of its big Hummer H2 sport utility vehicles to its Russian dealer this year.

Russian homegrown automakers are busy, too. The two-year-old A:Level Company is turning out custom-made cars, like the Volga V12 Coupe with handmade body and birch and leather interior and a 12-cylinder BMW engine. A:Level is also planning to produce The Big, a car featuring a super-light carbon body based on Formula One race car technology with an 836 horsepower engine.
Media Release Date: 2/18/04