Bogdan Considers Starting Bus Production In Russia.

Presently the company and its strategic partner Isuzu Motors are studying the Russian market, deciding, whether to construct a new plant or base assembly operations in the existing one. The management estimates investment of USD 40 mln to be made in the plant with over 1 ths buses of annual capacity. The final decision on a production location in Russia will be made after annual sales of Bogdan-made buses in Russia reach 1 ths units. Meanwhile, Bogdan plans to sell 140 buses in Russia in 2005, and to increase exports to the country to 500 units in 2006. A total investment of USD 240 mln is planned in 2005-07 to transfer car and truck production to Cherkasy, and start bus output in Lutsk.