The former Toyota manufacturing plant in Shushara, a village near Saint Petersburg, has begun recruiting staff as the site moves toward Aurus assembly. The transition signals a renewed role for the plant in Russia’s automotive landscape and sets the stage for Aurus to consolidate local production at the site. Local observers note that the move aligns with broader efforts to expand domestic car manufacturing and to strengthen regional industrial capabilities as the Aurus program progresses.
Aurus personnel services are listing openings for electricians, specialists in automotive electronics, and lead engineers tasked with developing and implementing new and updated model lines. The vacancies emphasize work on exterior and interior design, signaling a comprehensive approach to car construction at the Shushara facility. The work location appears to be easily accessible, with the plant situated within practical walking distance of the nearby subway, which makes it an attractive option for skilled professionals seeking steady employment in the area.
In early May 2024, the former Russian Toyota facility, now repurposed for Aurus, was reported as having been transferred to the Aurus brand by officials overseeing industry and trade matters. That transfer was characterized as completed and ready for the next phase of production, marking a formal handover from the prior automotive operation to the Aurus program. The move was framed as a significant milestone in the company’s expansion plans and its commitment to expanding Russian car manufacturing capabilities.
Officials at the time indicated that production would begin by the end of the year, following the successful transfer of the site to the Aurus automobile manufacturer. This timeline reflected a deliberate push to shift from component assembly toward full vehicle production at the Shushara site, leveraging existing industrial infrastructure and local workforce expertise to accelerate the rollout of Aurus models. The emphasis was on rapid startup while ensuring that the plant would meet the quality and regulatory standards required for domestic automotive assembly.
Subsequent reporting noted that the restart of the former Toyota facility, which had been scheduled for 2024, faced delays. Despite these postponements, statements about Aurus localization continued to circulate, with discussions suggesting that the program would achieve a high degree of domestic content. Reports highlighted a target of roughly ninety percent localization, underscoring a concerted effort to build supply chains, cultivate local suppliers, and broaden the capabilities of the regional workforce in support of the Aurus vehicle program.