Production of automotive batteries in Russia and other members of the CIS: status, problems and prospects

At present, the total capacity for the production of automotive lead/acid batteries in Russia and other members of the CIS is 10 million units per annum. This capcity should be increased by 4.7 million units in 1996. Nevertheless, environmental problems, plant modernization and shortage of raw materials are expected to cause a decrease in the existing rate of battery production. Russia imported 1.5 million batteries in 1993. The future strategy of the Russian battery industry is two-fold: an expansion of exports; a focus on smaller battery sizes (up to 60 Ah). A major problem lies in the fact that the present market consists predominantly of small consumers that are spread over vast distances. It is therefore critical to establish an effective, new infrastructure for battery distribution.