AVTOVAZ
AVTOVAZ bought a Nissan plant in St. Petersburg of the USA for a nominal fee – one euro. This is the shifting of stocks from one government pocket to another. But formally, the transfer of all Nissan assets under the control of AVTOVAZ makes it possible to start working on this site.
Since the idea was worked out in the fall, AVTOVAZ, without waiting for the completion of paper formalities, negotiated with potential partners from China and reached real agreements. Their meaning is as follows.
This year, about 10,000 cars will be assembled – this was confirmed to me by the head of AvtoVAZ, Maxim Sokolov. Initially, they talked about the end of the year. But judging by the speed at which events are developing, I can safely assume that the first cars will be assembled in the summer.
Don’t kid yourself, these are not our cars. But with our emblems. They are assembled using the SKD DKD mounting method, like Muscovites. But already from 2024, AVTOVAZ will gradually move to a deeper localization with components from regional suppliers who have worked for Nissan, Hyundai and other Russian car factories in recent years.
If AvtoVAZ reaches decent production volumes for each model – at least 20-30 thousand units per year, it makes sense to move to full-fledged production with welding and body painting – it is believed that this is already from 2025.
Three models will be assembled this year: a sedan and crossovers. Class C and D. That is, larger than the current Frets. And more expensive. These are big cars like Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail. There have never been such cars in the Lada range.
This was done to prevent cannibalism and not create competition for the native Ferrets – primarily Vesta and Largus. And to resist other players in these segments – and offer buyers large cars with Lada decals. With factory warranty. With relatively affordable consumables and spare parts.
AFK “SYSTEM”
The investment company AFK Sistema has a serious interest in the Kaluga plant of the Volkswagen group. They say that the potential investor not only wants to maintain the car production profile, but also wants to continue production of Volkswagen itself.
Unlike BMW and Mercedes, the Volkswagen leadership has taken a softer stance towards Russia since February 24, 2022. And this can be understood. The total investment in our country exceeded 1.5 billion euros – it is a pity to lose such money anyway.
But Volkswagen lives by German laws. And none of the bosses will agree to an undercover game called “circumvention of sanctions”. First, there was enough dieselgate for everyone. Secondly, circumventing sanctions is now a criminal offense in Europe.
There are other options – to transport components through Turkey, through the Emirates … But I do not believe in the scheme of delivery curves for components and the production of Volkswagens in Kaluga. At a minimum, you need to change the name and decals. They will maximally produce something similar in size but completely different.
For example, the Jetta brand was introduced in China in 2019. In fact, they produce European cars, but with a slightly different appearance. Skoda Karoq is Jetta VS7 and Skoda Rapid turned into Jetta VA3. A little less chrome, a little simpler finish – and the price is lower. We need it. Why not an option?
MOSKVICH
Muscovites have a real localization program – this was confirmed to me by the director of the Moskvich plant Dmitry Pronin. Details have not yet been announced, but I can safely assume that closer to the end of the year the factory can master the welding and body painting. Initially using imported body parts.
At the same time, stamps are ordered – it takes at least a year to make them. And if there are stamps, then all body panels are stamped at the AAT plant in the Biryulyovo district of Moscow – all panels for Duster, Kaptur and Arkana are also made there. And they now work for the Russian factory in Haval.
There is a program for plastics, interior details, tyres, operating fluids and so on.
AUTOTOR
Avtotor more than others succeeded in reorganizing production in the passenger segment. The plant has a wide variety of models, which will be actively mastered this year. I met the first of the journalists with the Kaiyi E5 sedan – and I will tell about it in detail below.
Cheer up, there will be plenty of good automotive news this year!
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