OREANDA-NEWS. In the first half of 2007, Severstal-Avto upped its consolidated IAS profit by 96%, achieving total of 49 mln USD, the company's 2007 published performance review reads.

The company growth occurred mostly due to its automobile segment: Ssang Yong and Fiat assembled brands brought it much profit. The growth of certainsegment's sales was above expectations by 7%. EBITDA margin formed 12.4%, 0.9 p.p. below results of 1H 2006, operating profit margin dropped 0.3% to 10.2% due to increased expenses for advertisement and the launch of Fiat Ducato assembly line project in Elabuga city.