Chery has emerged as a leading contender for a partnership project to assemble cars at the former Russian Mercedes-Benz facility, according to Auto.Mail.ru. The move signals a potential pivot in the site’s industrial life, with discussions centering on how a new partner could harness the plant’s capabilities and navigate Russia’s evolving automotive landscape.
Sources indicate that the Avtodom plant owner is already running test operations and could deliver a pilot batch of several vehicles by year-end. The plan includes the possibility of expanding production to cover Exeed models, a move that would diversify the plant’s output and align with growing demand for premium and crossover segments in the region. The implication is that the site could soon shift from a legacy assignment to a broader manufacturing hub with multiple product lines.
The Mercedes-Benz plant is situated in the Esipovo industrial park, in the Moscow region, and began operations in spring 2019. Its stated full-cycle capacity ranges around 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles annually, a figure that reflects a compact, highly integrated manufacturing operation designed for efficient throughput and quality control. This scale positions the facility as a key asset in Russia’s automotive strategy, capable of supporting various models if a new strategic plan is adopted.
In April 2023, Avtodom dealer holding acquired ownership of the Mercedes-Benz automobile plant in Russia. The transaction value was not disclosed, but the arrangement includes a potential buy-back option for the German automaker. The acquisition underscored a broader trend of asset redeployment within the Russian automotive sector, as domestic groups seek to leverage established production footprints while navigating sanctions, supply chain realignments, and evolving consumer tastes.
In August, Denis Manturov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated that passenger cars would roll off the assembly line at the plant because the equipment had been adapted specifically for producing this vehicle type. This statement highlighted a strategic pivot toward passenger mobility, signaling confidence in the site’s readiness to contribute to domestic car production and to support local employment and industry standards. The emphasis on adapting existing lines reflects broader policy goals to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Earlier reports noted that AvtoVAZ continues to produce models such as the Lada Granta and Lada Niva, with safety features like airbags continuing to be part of product development discussions. The evolving production mix at the Moscow region facility underscores how traditional brands may integrate with new partnerships and model lines, creating a layered ecosystem that blends heritage with modernization. Observers are watching how these moves will influence brand perception, regional supply chains, and the pace of domestic vehicle availability in the years ahead.