Avtotor, an established automaker, has announced a strategic collaboration with Shanhai Nuoang Automobile Technology, a Chinese firm renowned for its work in electric vehicles, electric traction power systems, and related components. This partnership was disclosed by Avtotor in a formal statement, outlining a joint venture designed to advance electric mobility and electrified propulsion within Russia.
The two companies plan to develop and manufacture a range of automotive products in the Kaliningrad region. The project envisions the production of fully electric cars, vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, and units equipped with hybrid powertrains. In addition to complete vehicles, the alliance will produce key components and assemblies, including engines, that can be used in Avtotor’s assembly lines and supplied to other Russian manufacturers seeking integrated, domestically produced propulsion systems. The emphasis is on building a domestic supply chain that accelerates local vehicle production and reduces dependence on imported powertrains. (Source: Avtotor press release)
The plan outlines a phased expansion of manufacturing capacity. The initial phase targets the establishment of facilities for processing and assembling electric motors, with a goal to begin operations by late 2023. The subsequent, or second, phase aims to bring online full-scale equipment for casting and additional casting-related production activities in 2024, enabling broader, higher-volume output and more robust component production for a growing EV market in Russia. (Source: Avtotor press release)
Earlier communications noted that budget variants of the Chinese Kaiyi E5 sedans, which will be assembled at Avtotor, were scheduled to be introduced to the Russian market in August. This launch aligns with the broader push toward expanding affordable electric and hybrid solutions for Russian consumers, complementing the new joint production capabilities and reinforcing the region’s role in regional EV manufacturing. (Source: Avtotor press release)