GM just announced that effective immediately, Jeffrey Glover will become managing director of GM-AVTOVAZ CSJC (closed joint stock company).

GM-AVTOVAZ is a ten year-old joint venture (established 1999) between General Motors and Russian AvtoVaz that produces the GM AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Niva (based on the Lada Niva) and the GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva (based on the ’98 Opel Astra).

Jeffrey Glover

Glover will report to Chris Gubbey, president and managing director of GM Russia and CIS, and Marc Schiff, executive director of manufacturing in GM Europe. He will also continue to perform his existing duties as director of new business development and planning – reporting to Jamal El-Hout (vice president of product planning and CV operations at GM Europe).

Glover has been with GM since 1998 and has held various positions within GM Europe, as director of quality improvement in Russelsheim, Germany and in the  business planning division at GM Europe. He will replace John Hanson as managing director of GM-AVTOVAZ, who has been successfully heading up the joint venture for the past three years. Hanson will be coming back to the U.S. for a new management role in the North American International Product Center.

The GM Authority Take

While sold as a Chevy, the Niva isn’t presented as part of the “official” Chevrolet lineup in Russia. Rather, it’s a legendary vehicle in the country that’s all Lada Niva in everything but name. While the exterior and interior have been completely redesigned in collaboration with Chevy, the SUV is still largely based on the first-generation Lada Niva – sharing the engine, transmission, and most mechanical elements. Compared to modern CUVs, the Chevy Niva is is a true off-roader – with increased ground clearance and a body-on-frame design – perfect for Russia’s snowy or horrible roads.

2010 Chevrolet Niva (GM AvtoVaz)

Check out the full press release after the break. (more…)