GM-AvtoVAZ Celebrates 500,000th Chevrolet Niva

VIENNA – The half-millionth Chevrolet Niva small cross/utility vehicle rolls off the GM-AvtoVAZ production line in Togliatti, Russia, today.

Originally developed by Lada manufacturer AvtoVAZ and unveiled as the Lada 2123 Niva at the Moscow auto show in 1998, the model later was modified to become the Chevrolet Niva, Russia’s best-selling Chevy.

Volume production of the Chevrolet Niva started in September 2002 at GM-AvtoVAZ, a 50-50 joint venture owned by General Motors and AvtoVAZ.

GM-AvtoVAZ produced 27,097 Nivas this year through June, down 13.7% from like-2012. Sales totaled 27,439 units in the period, including 25,565 in Russia and 1,874 in other Commonwealth of Independent States countries.

The auto maker, which manufactured 62,981 vehicles in 2012, originally announced plans to produce 62,500 units this year. However, in July GM-AvtoVAZ said it expected to make only 58,000 Nivas in 2013.

The JV, which currently receives welded bodies from its shareholder and neighbor AvtoVAZ, is erecting new press and welding shops.

It also is preparing for a second-generation Chevrolet Niva, with start of volume production scheduled for December 2015.

“It will be a promising product…for the Russian market (and) for Chevrolet brand in whole,” James Bovenzi, president and managing director-GM Russia and CIS, says in a prepared statement.