- The American group GM has decided to withdraw from the Russian market because of weak forecasted growth in the short term, but also in the medium and long term. Despite the fact many other manufacturers believe that the potential of the Russian market remains important over the long term. GM is however a major stakeholder in the Russian market.

- GM has indeed three production sites in Russia today, one located in St. Petersburg (GM ownership), a second one in Kaliningrad (property of Avtotor), a third in Togliatti (Renault-Nissan property). These three sites, which sell their models locally, produced 151 000 vehicles in total in 2014 (30% of which are Chevrolet Niva, which is the best selling model for GM in Russia), against 277 000 in 2012 and 225 000 in 2013. In 2015, forecasts indicate less than 100 000 manufactured vehicles, due to the collapse of the Russian car market.

- The GM plant in St. Petersburg that will close in 2015 was inaugurated in 2008 and was able to produce up to 100 000 vehicles per year. Peak production was reached in 2011 with 90 000 vehicles produced. In 2014, production fell to 50 000 units. GM says it now wants to focus on its premium segment in Russia (Cadillac, Camaro, Corvette), even if the production of the Chevrolet Niva in Togliatti does not seem to be questioned. We will only know in the medium and long term if GM's decision to withdraw from the Russian market was appropriate or not.

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