PARIS (June 24)—Groupe Michelin said it will begin commercial production on July 7 at its new passenger tire plant in Russia.
The factory has been running on a trial basis for the last few months to ensure it can achieve it meets quality and productivity targets, the company said. The factory, located in Davydovo near Moscow, will make 2.1 million auto tires in 2005, eventually rising to 6.5 million by 2015 at the latest but possibly much earlier, a Michelin spokesman said.
Most of the tires are earmarked for domestic original equipment and aftermarket use.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development owns 47.4 percent of the equity in Michelin Russian Tyres Manufacturing Co. but leaves day-to-day management to Michelin personnel, the Michelin official said.