GM-AvtoVAZ to Discontinue Second Shift

VIENNA – ZAO GM-AvtoVAZ is cutting production at its plant in Togliatti, Russia, as a result of the slowing market, a move that will idle about 400 workers.

The facility, which makes the Chevrolet Niva SUV, will go to one shift from two in mid-February, when output will be resumed following a 2-month, extended-holiday shutdown.

The Togliatti plant manufactured 54,654 vehicles last year, down 0.7% from 2007. The figure includes eight Chevrolet Viva sedans, production of which ended in early 2008.

GM-AvtoVAZ sold 53,305 vehicles in 2008, including 48,647 units in Russia and 4,658 in other Commonwealth of Independent States countries.