Based in Vladimir, approximately 170 kilometers east of Moscow, Visteon Avtopribor Electronics is centrally located to support both domestic and global vehicle manufacturers in Russia. According to a Visteon press release, the joint venture has full manufacturing and product development capabilities and will supply leading Russian vehicle manufacturers including AVTOVAZ, GAZ and Sollers, as well as Ford. The joint venture is also engaging with global vehicle manufacturers located in the country in support of its growth objectives. The company's business activities focus on audio, infotainment, driver information systems and controls electronics.

"Visteon Avtopribor Electronics offers Visteon immediate access to the domestic Russian market through one of our established and highly respected partners," said Steve Meszaros, Visteon product group president. "Expanding into the important Russian market supports our strategy of offering our global customers fully localized products in markets where they are growing."

Combining Visteon's global cockpit electronics technology platforms with Avtopribor's strong position in the Russian market, the joint venture is set to become one of Russia's largest automotive electronics suppliers.

"Establishment of the new joint venture will allow us to offer world-class products to Russian customers and gives Avtopribor an opportunity to focus on other competitive products," said Avtopribor general director Alexey Melnikov.

OAO Zavod Avtopribor is one of the leading Russian suppliers of automotive components that develops, designs and manufactures wiper systems, instrument clusters, different types of transmitters and gauges and other components for Russian automakers and global vehicle manufacturers with localized production in Russia. The company is also based in Vladimir, and employs approximately 2,500 people.