The deputy said a high-ranking official in the Russian Embassy in Japan had told him about the companies' investment plans. The latter's representatives had earlier asked the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association to provide them with information on the possibility of opening assembly plants in Russia.
A Russian Economic Development Ministry spokesman told the newspaper that all Japanese car producers were thinking about investing in Russia. But the ministry does not have any specific information, he said. "As far as I know, the companies are considering the issue," said an expert at the ministry department responsible for talks with Japan.
The Russian office of Honda Motor Rus said the company had not examined the issue yet.
Two other Japanese car producers, Nissan and Toyota, have almost made up their minds. A week ago, the Gorky car plant and Nissan had final talks on cooperation. Toyota, according to unofficial reports, is waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Japan in the first half of 2005. Unofficially, the company has indicated that the political element is a very important factor in its decision.
