GM-AvtoVAZ
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Acquired by AvtoVAZ |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
Area served | Russia |
Key people | General Motors (management) |
| Products | Chevrolet Niva, Chevrolet Viva |
GM-AvtoVAZ was a collaborative enterprise formed in Russia in 2001 through a partnership between General Motors and AvtoVAZ. Production of the Chevrolet Niva, which was based on the Lada Niva, commenced in 2002 at the manufacturing facility located in Tolyatti. While ownership stakes were equally divided, the management responsibilities were solely undertaken by General Motors. The partnership concluded in December 2019 when AvtoVAZ took full control by acquiring General Motors' share.
History
In 2004, GM-AvtoVAZ briefly manufactured the Chevrolet Viva, a model derived from the 1998 Opel Astra sedan, but due to limited sales of only around 5,000 units, production was halted.
Operational difficulties emerged in February 2006 following AvtoVAZ's acquisition by Rosoboronexport, Russia's state agency for arms exports. This transition led to interruptions in the supply of engines and parts, stemming from conflicts between the new ownership and General Motors.
By September 2012, GM-AvtoVAZ revealed expansion plans targeting the year 2015, which included recruiting an additional 1,400 workers and raising yearly vehicle production capacity from 100,000 to 120,000 units.
Ownership
The joint venture's initial capital came from General Motors ($99.1 million, 41.61%), AvtoVAZ ($99.1 million, 41.61%), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with $40 million (16.78%) equity plus a $100 million credit facility. In September 2012, GM and AvtoVAZ purchased the EBRD’s shares, establishing an equal 50/50 ownership arrangement.
The partnership ended in December 2019 when AvtoVAZ bought out General Motors' interest. Following this acquisition, AvtoVAZ continued marketing vehicles under the Chevrolet brand until August 2020, after which it switched to branding them as Lada.
Products
By December 2014, the Tolyatti plant had produced a total of 571,852 vehicles since operations began in 2002.
- Chevrolet Niva (1998–2019)
- Chevrolet Viva (2004–2005)