Nissan announced at the Moscow Autosalon 2003 that it will establish a new sales company in Russia from January 2004.
The new company, Nissan Motor Rus, will distribute Nissan vehicles and parts across the Russian dealer network, which currently comprises around 32 sales outlets. The headquarters will be in Moscow, and will initially employ 25 people.
Toru Saito will be the company's managing director. Mr Saito began his career at Nissan in 1982. In 1990, he joined Nissan Europe on a six-year assignment which involved a two-year period in charge of the Russian market.
Toru Saito explains: "The setting up of the new Russian sales company comes as a result of Nissan's successful growth and development worldwide. It also demonstrates Nissan's long term confidence in the Russian market. We are planning to make significant investments to strengthen the Nissan brand in Russia, and enhance the quality and coverage of our dealerships for our customers."
Nissan cars have been sold in the Russian market since 1993. The new company will replace the three independent trading companies currently distributing Nissan vehicles in Russia. Last year, they sold 7200 Nissan vehicles, accounting for 8% of the imported vehicle market.
Nissan employs 12,000 people in Europe in design, research and development, production, logistics and sales and marketing. Last year, the company sold 474,000 vehicles in Europe.
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