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Baltic International

2024

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Baltic International
Baltic International
Anonim

COMPANIES AND MARKETS

/ASSEMBLY

BALTIC INTERNATIONAL

TEXT, PHOTO / ANATOLY FOMIN

What they just do not say about BMW and KIA cars from Kaliningrad. Some are scattered in compliments, others are looking for crime, while others generally deny the fact of the assembly of cars. Who to believe? You need to see for yourself.

Do it once

Avtotor collects KIA and BMW cars, between which there is practically nothing in common. Therefore, they divorced them in different places. Kaliningrad BMWs gain life in the workshops of the Yantar shipyard, and KIA in the territory of Kaliningradbummash JSC.

A comparison of the two industries will be very revealing. Where BMW is assembled, the share of labor of our workers is much higher - they turn a painted but completely “naked” body into a finished car. Of course, the most complex units - engine, gearbox, air conditioning - come ready-made. But the wiring, upholstery and seats, pipelines, chassis are fully mounted with Russian hands. Even the assembly of a complex multi-link rear suspension of the "five" BMW are here on the "Amber". The correct installation and tightening torques of the numerous bushings connecting the aluminum levers and the subframe are controlled by a special electronic stand that eliminates accidental error.

The quality of the finished machines is a separate article. The tightness of each body is checked in the rain chamber, and to eliminate minor defects (alas, it is impossible to completely eliminate them, despite the fact that the bodies are transported in closed containers, and the outer surfaces are protected with plastic overlays during assembly), they use the most complicated straightening tool and a modern painting chamber.

In addition, they use the control method adopted at BMW - quality audit. Without it, the Bavarian company does not recognize the assembled cars worthy of wearing a white and blue propeller. About one car out of twelve is subjected to a comprehensive check, and the process takes a whole shift. Depending on the number of defects found and their type, a coefficient is determined. The smaller it is, the better the quality. In November 2000, this figure for the Kaliningrad BMWs of the fifth series for the first time amounted to 1.57 - even less than in Germany. However, Avtotor understands that higher quality is largely due to the low production rate.

DO TWO

The Avtotor quality system adopted at BMW was also transferred to the assembly of Korean cars: the Sportigi, Rio and Clarusses undergo exactly the same exacting test. True, KIA's odds are still almost an order of magnitude higher, but there are reserves for progress. Avtotor has special hopes for Sporting and its modifications. With all the obvious advantages and disadvantages, KIA Sporting (ZR, 2000, No. 12) is the most affordable car in its class, and with a slight reduction in price, it can seriously compete with the future VAZ 2123. By the way, this issue contains a report on the Northern rally “Behind the Wheel” with the participation of the Kaliningrad Sporting.

Ready-made frames with suspension elements, a power unit and a partially assembled painted body arrive in Kaliningrad. Actually, the Russian contribution is adjustment, painting of bumpers, installation of a power unit, cardans, partly interior trim and, finally, “marriage” of the body with a frame. By the way, the VIN number on it is affixed in Russia.

WHERE ARE THE MIRACLE?

Of course, Kaliningrad BMWs and KIAs are almost completely assembled from imported components (one hundred percent domestic only liquid in the washer reservoir and transport fasteners), but those who are familiar with the production firsthand will still be surprised: where are the completely European indicators of the quality of machine assembly?

Firstly, from the systems of organization and remuneration. The salary of a worker depends on the category and ranges from 330 to 620 rubles, which is even penniless by local standards. But the premium "for quality" up to 200%, plus up to 350% - according to the results of the work of the team, plus 50% - for the culture of production. As a result, an average third worker runs into the third category - there is no end to those who want to get a job. It is clear that you will not see either abandoned cigarette butts or an orphaned instrument, and the assembly process chart is holier than the Pope.

Secondly, from the attitude of the company to its own products. You can scold foreigners as much as you want, even if they agree to the minimum volume of the Russian assembly, only by receiving guarantees of proper quality, but whatever you say, concern for the company's reputation is worthy of respect. Sometimes this is what prevents the next stage - the use of domestic components. Although in fairness, we note that our bearings are considered better than Korean, and batteries, at least, not worse. As for round tires and durable shock absorbers with stable performance, they will still have to wait.

So we will not blame the national features. Our hard workers are no worse than the Turks, the Koreans, or the Germans. It's all about the organization of production. True, unlike Germany, there is no beer in the factory buffet: management still doubts that such an innovation will benefit the cause.

And now let's turn to another topic - the notorious "quality of components."

To begin with, let us shock the readers with the fact that even the body of a new BMW arriving in a container from Germany is far from ideal - if you assemble it “in haste”, the resultant will be very vaguely reminiscent of a German car. Almost all hinged elements (doors, hood and trunk lids, bumpers) require individual adjustment and adjustment. This is the only way to achieve uniform gaps and softly closing doors - signs by which the buyer accurately identifies the "breed".

WHAT WAS WHAT WILL BE

Next year, it is planned to produce 4, 500 cars at two Avtotor assembly plants, as well as master the welding and painting of the Sportage body, which, we repeat, will probably reduce its price. The main models of KIA will be “Sporting” and “Grand Sporting”, “Rio” with a sedan and station wagon, as well as a new large sedan, which will replace the current “Clarus 2”. Carnival mini-vans will make up a relatively small percentage.

To the current production of the BMW 5 Series and a small number of executive cars of the Series 7, the assembly of the most affordable BMWs of the third series will be added. But the Land Rover Defender, unfortunately, is no longer being collected and will not be assembled in Kaliningrad. The current owner of the Land Rover, Ford is not interested in continuing to produce this model.

Making plans for a long time ahead in Russia is somehow not accepted. But even with the most favorable economic situation, Avtotor’s contribution to the production of cars in Russia is unlikely to exceed 3%. However, the economy is not everything. In 2003, the Kaliningrad region will already be surrounded on all sides by the EEC states and will inevitably be turned “facing Europe”. So the production of cars here for the Russian market is not only an economic issue. The more industry in the Kaliningrad Oblast is oriented toward Russia, the less likely are the supporters of its isolation.

Site of finished products.

The power unit "KIA-Sporting" before installation on the frame.

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