According to Dmitry Levchenkov, the deputy director of the investment policy department of the ministry, South Korean, German, American, and Japanese automakers were considering various ways of manufacturing cars in Russia.
"They are also considering producing foreign-made cars and components and spares for them in special economic zones," Levchenkov said.
Car parts can be legally brought into Russia for later assembly at lower duties, the official said.
He said some foreign carmakers, like Toyota, planned to build plants in Russia, while others planned to partner with Russian companies, for example, South Korean KIA partnering with Russia's IZH-Avto.
"The carmakers will purchase and install the equipment for auto production in accordance with technologies, standards, and planned volumes," the official said.
"We are talking with investors now. Agreements to this effect will be signed in six to twelve months," the official concluded.
Levchenkov also said major Japanese, European, and American corporations were considering opening plants in Russia to manufacture car parts.
Under the government resolution on industrial foreign car assembly in Russia, import duties on car components have been reduced from 12%-15% to 3%-5%, and even eliminated on such components as the car body, engine, and gearbox. Import duties are imposed on components made in Russia, for example, tires.
Foreign investors will have to assume the obligation to extend the car manufacturing process to include welding and painting the car bodies in 18 months, i.e. to start the assembly process in full. The plants are expected to produce at least 25,000 cars a year.
