The Kaliningrad Avtotor plant is gearing up to begin mass production of its own chassis panel electric vehicle, named Amber, in the fourth quarter of 2024. This update was shared by representatives of Avtotor at the International Automotive Forum MANF-2023, reported by the Telegram channel Auto Stream. Amber marks a strategic step for the plant as it expands beyond assembly into full-scale in-house chassis and powertrain development, signaling a move toward greater self-reliance in the regional automotive sector.
Forecasts place the annual production capacity of the Avtotor facility at about 50,000 electric cars. The plan involves localizing key components across the board, including the electric motor, gearbox, vehicle chassis and steering mechanisms, as well as the traction battery, power electronics, and many body and body-system elements. The investment to advance this compact electric vehicle design totals 481.5 million rubles, while another 427 million rubles are allocated for establishing a dedicated testing lab for power plants. This emphasis on localization aims to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on imported components, a priority echoed by industry observers who monitor regional EV programs. Auto Stream coverage notes these moves as part of a broader push to build a competitive Russian-made EV lineup.
The Amber electric car is being developed with a focus on younger drivers and on-demand car-sharing services. Avtotor officials describe Amber as well-suited for use in distribution operations, network service tasks, and municipal or social services. The company also highlighted that the vehicle’s platform features a unique design that supports flexible configurations and scalable performance for varied fleet applications. Industry watchers point to Amber as a potential anchor for a diversified transportation ecosystem in Kaliningrad and the surrounding regions. Auto Stream context suggests the program aligns with wider regional goals to stimulate EV adoption and local production capabilities.
There is historical context about local production lines and storage at AvtoVAZ, including questions about how many unfinished Lada Vestas remain at the plant. While those details belong to a separate timeline, the current Amber project represents a pivot toward new electric mobility offerings and a broader strategy to modernize manufacturing facilities and job opportunities within the area.