MOSCOW, 28 February (BelTA) – The sales of the Belarusian-Chinese car Geely Atlas have officially started in Russia. The presentation of the new crossover took place in Moscow on 27 February, BelTA informs.
“It is difficult to learn to manufacture cars. It is even more difficult to learn to sell them,” Belarus’ First Deputy Industry Minister Gennady Svidersky told reporters. However, he noted that more than 20 Russian dealers had signed agreements on the sales of cars produced at the BelGee car factory in Belarus.
The first deputy minister added that the company's capacity is designed to produce 60,000 cars per year with the prospect of expanding production to 120,000 cars.
Belarus is doing a lot to localize the production of Geely Atlas. The cars have already been equipped with Belarusian tires. The production of power units, radiators, axles and other car components in Belarus is under discussion. “This will make the car competitive in the market,” the first deputy minister said.
Geely cars are ranked third in China's crossover sales. As noted at the presentation, the launch of Geely Atlas sales in Russia is one of the most anticipated events in the Russian automotive market. The price for cars produced in Belarus was also voiced during the event. It will vary from RUB1.030 million to 1.490 million, depending on the engine configuration and model.
The Belarusian-Chinese car factory BelGee, which produces cars under the Geely brand, was set up in 2011. Its first car rolled off the production line in February 2013.