Second Datsun model for Russia has begun production.

• Datsun on-DO production begins at AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti
• Datsun will start taking pre-orders in July

A new chapter in the Datsun story has begun with the start of production of Datsun on-DO, a new family sedan designed and engineered specifically for Russia.

Bringing affordable quality motoring within the reach of up-and-coming Russian customers, the four-door, five-seat car is being built at the Togliatti plant in Russia, a partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and AVTOVAZ. A special ceremony took place today to mark the first Datsun on-DO coming off the production line.

The Datsun on-DO is being produced on one of the most modern lines in the AVTOVAZ facility. Plant personnel are using production techniques that have been developed and refined during the evolution of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, established 15 years ago.

More than 5,000 employees are involved in the production of the Datsun on-DO. Supervisors and shop managers have been trained to Alliance Production Way principles. Two dedicated training zones, manned by Nissan Motor specialists, ensure that the line staff uses Datsun assembly standards.

During the ceremony Vincent Cobee, global head of Datsun and member of the AVTOVAZ Board of Directors, said: "Today our plans have become reality. The start of Datsun on-DO production here at the AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti is the pinnacle of the Datsun project in Russia and the result of months of collaboration and hard work. Datsun is coming to make the dream of purchasing a foreign car for the first time a reality for our Russian customers. Our brand provides access to worry-free ownership experience as well as trust by ensuring product reliability and transparency in services provided. The Datsun on-DO is a new choice for up-and-coming aspirational customers in Russia looking for new, high-quality, modern cars from a Japanese brand. I am confident that Datsun on-DO will be a success, and I would like to thank our partner, AVTOVAZ, for the effort that has made this day possible."

Bo Andersson, president of AVTOVAZ, added: "The launch of Datsun cars is a big success story for AVTOVAZ. I am proud of the contribution made during the Datsun on-DO's development and especially the way our engineers have been able to work with their Japanese colleagues. By benefiting from the manufacturing experience of our partners in the Alliance, and by virtue of working so well together, AVTOVAZ is stronger and more competitive. I am convinced that our employees are ready to reach the ambitious goals we have set."

Datsun on-DO is a modern, spacious, safe and well-equipped car created to tackle Russia's road and weather conditions. The result of joint development efforts of an international team of highly experienced engineers from Russia, Japan and other countries, Datsun on-DO was styled at the state-of-the-art Nissan Design Center in Atsugi, Japan.

Datsun on-DO pricing will start at 329,000 Roubles. The car will be available for pre-order at 25 dedicated Datsun brand dealerships in key regions of Russia from the second half of July. Start of sales is planned for the end of the summer.