The Kaliningrad-based manufacturer Avtotor is expected to complete its current projects in October, according to the company’s press service as cited by RIA Novosti. This timeline aligns with the factory’s ongoing efforts to ramp up production while adapting to shifting policy environments and the broader economic landscape in Russia.
Vladimir Shcherbakov, the founder, highlighted that Avtotor’s safety margin is notably high compared with many other plants. Even though the assembly line relies on a considerable share of foreign components, sanctions affecting Avtotor were among the last to be enacted, allowing the plant some flexibility as it reorganizes its supply chain and production lines. This resilience is echoed by the company’s ongoing strategic recalibrations to ensure continuity in output and maintain steady operations amid external pressures.
In a move signaling transformation, Avtotor has announced plans to introduce production of new car brands at its facilities. The plant aims to achieve a substantial increase in car production by 2023, though specific brand names have not been disclosed. It is publicly known that, alongside a collaboration with Chinese partners, the facility will produce an electric vehicle and variants of electric cars tailored for people with reduced mobility. This shift marks a broader push toward electrification and inclusive design in the region’s automotive sector, reflecting a strategic response to evolving market demand and regulatory cues.
Shcherbakov also stated that October will be devoted to refining production processes in light of new policies and the introduction of new models. The goal is to align the factory’s output with Russia’s current development trajectory and the country’s path toward greater domestic manufacturing activity. The emphasis is on adapting operations to the new conditions, ensuring that the plant remains a viable contributor to the national manufacturing ecosystem while pursuing growth opportunities within the domestic market.
Additionally, Avtotor is nearing completion on eight new manufacturing facilities at the production site, with investments totaling more than 5.7 billion rubles. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to bolstering production capacity, diversifying offerings, and strengthening the economy around Kaliningrad. The expansion project is designed to support a broader portfolio and enable more flexible response to demand shifts, both from domestic consumers and potential regional partners seeking reliable supply chains.
earlier
Earlier in the year, Avtotor paused assembly of BMW vehicles and kept a stockpile of Kia and Hyundai components as a buffer for three months. In May, operations resumed, but overall car production was reduced by about four and a half times, stabilizing at roughly 200 units per day. Officials noted that approximately 10,000 kits had been accumulated at the plant, remaining unused due to electronics shortages. The pause and subsequent adjustments provided the company with an opportunity to evaluate supplier relationships, optimize inventory management, and plan for a smoother production ramp as supply constraints eased. The experience also highlighted the importance of diversified sourcing and resilient logistics in maintaining steady output amid external shocks.