Kaliningrad Avtotor plant is set to begin its own production of ferrous and non-ferrous castings, a move described in depth by the company’s president, Denis Pak, in an interview with socialbites.ca. This shift marks a tangible step toward vertical integration, reducing dependency on external suppliers and enabling tighter control over the material quality and timing of components used in various assembly lines. Pak explained that having in-house casting capabilities gives Avtotor the flexibility to tailor parts specifically for its electric propulsion initiatives and broader vehicle programs. The strategic decision aligns with the company’s long term plan to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in Kaliningrad and to support more autonomous production cycles, from raw casting to finished modules. (Source: socialbites.ca)
What does this unlock for Avtotor? It enables the company to manufacture its own components for electric propulsion systems. Pak reiterated that the core focus areas include electric motors, gearboxes, power electronics, and hybrid propulsion assemblies. These elements are essential for modern electric and hybrid vehicles, and producing them in-house can streamline development timelines, improve quality oversight, and potentially lower unit costs. The move also allows for closer collaboration with engineering teams, accelerating iteration on motor designs, control software, and integration with drive units. This approach reflects a broader industry trend where automakers seek greater self-sufficiency in high-value, technically demanding subsystems. (Source: socialbites.ca)
In addition, Avtotor plans to localize the production of internal combustion engines for conventional vehicles. Pak indicated that the facility could also explore manufacturing automatic transmissions, steering mechanisms, and braking systems in the future, subject to market demand, technical feasibility, and regulatory considerations. This diversification would further reduce reliance on external suppliers and help the plant participate more comprehensively in the regional automotive supply chain. The company aims to build lasting partnerships with suppliers and technology partners to co-develop components and integrate them into a cohesive production ecosystem. (Source: socialbites.ca)
The president underscored that Avtotor will develop automotive components in collaboration with its partners. This collaborative model is positioned to accelerate knowledge transfer, introduce advanced manufacturing processes, and enable faster adaptation to evolving industry standards. By combining in-house capabilities with external expertise, the plant intends to deliver a broader portfolio of parts while maintaining strict quality controls and timelines. The strategy emphasizes shared investments, risk management, and joint innovation efforts that benefit the Kaliningrad facility and its customers. (Source: socialbites.ca)
Earlier announcements indicated that Avtotor’s first self-produced car will be an electric city car. Pak noted that the upcoming model will have dimensions comparable to Class A vehicles, making it well suited for urban environments and municipal fleets. He suggested that the car would be marketed not only to private buyers but also to city services, underscoring the vehicle’s practicality for urban mobility, service fleets, and municipal operations. The approach reflects a growing interest in compact electric vehicles designed for dense city landscapes, where maneuverability and efficiency are paramount. (Source: socialbites.ca)
In addition to the electric city car, there was earlier reporting that Avtotor plans to broaden the range of cars manufactured in Kaliningrad. The expansion would likely involve scaling existing production lines, introducing new models, and leveraging the plant’s evolving component capabilities. Such diversification would support regional employment, supply chain resilience, and opportunities for downstream manufacturing activities tied to the automotive sector in Russia’s western territories. (Source: socialbites.ca)