MOSCOW, December 3 (Sputnik) — German automotive corporation Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch production of light-duty vehicles in several Russian regions, as stated by Russia’s officials and representatives of Mercedes-Benz Russia.
The German carmaker is planning to build several plants in Russia, as stated by Denis Manturov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade.
The recent protectionist measures, taken by Russia’s government, including the prohibition for the federal and regional authorities to purchase foreign-made automobiles triggered a debate on local Russian manufacturing of Mercedes cars
Mercedes-Benz will launch a full-scale automotive production in Russia, as its luxury cars are in rife demand among the nation’s upper class.
“Considering the further proposals to impose bans on imported cars for the state-owned companies, we suppose Mercedes would find it of its best interest to organize local production in Russia in order to successfully compete their counterparts who did so earlier,” Manturov said.