Nissan Cuts Production for 16 Days in Russia

Nissan Motor Co. is the latest carmaker to suspend output in Russia because of the country's collapsing auto market.

Reuters reports the company idled its assembly plant in St. Petersburg on Monday and won't resume operations until April 1.

Nissan's sales in Russia grew 11% to 162,000 units last year. But year-on-year demand fell 18% in January and 45% in February, according to the Moscow-based Assn. of European Businesses. The shutdown affects production of the Murano and X-Trail crossovers, Teana sedan and Pathfinder SUV.

Other carmakers that have made similar cuts in the past four months are AvtoVAZ, General Motors, Mitsubishi, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen.