At a recent session of the Russian Industrialists’ Forum, Maxim Sokolov, president of AvtoVAZ, challenged the approach of Russian car manufacturers toward participating in what he called “screwdriver assembly”—the practice of assembling foreign car kits locally without meaningful value added. He argued that after foreign car makers exited Russia, some domestic brands signaled readiness to assemble foreign models at their own plants. This method, he warned, would not only fail to deliver real benefits for the country but could also inflict lasting harm on the industry and its development trajectory.
Sokolov emphasized a long-standing industry principle: the more a car is localized in the manufacturing process, the stronger the case for state support should be for the producing company. He urged policymakers and industry players to favor strategies that expand domestic value creation, domestic jobs, and ownership of critical automotive competencies rather than simple kit assembly. Such an approach, he noted, would help mature the sector and ensure that public investment translates into sustainable growth and higher technological capability.
Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes
Reliable, timely public services depend on more than just policy direction; they rely on a robust logistical backbone. The program described as “Behind the Wheel”, conducted in partnership with the Popular Front, has begun a fundraising drive to finance tire purchases for vehicles serving the People’s Police and operational services within the LPR and DPR. The goal is to equip ambulances, emergency response units, humanitarian aid delivery vehicles, and army support vehicles with essential tires. Citizens can contribute through the designated collection page, helping ensure that critical public and humanitarian operations remain mobile and effective during challenging times.
The initiative underscores how community contributions can bolster the capacity of public safety and humanitarian missions. By securing necessary equipment, these services can respond more swiftly to emergencies, maintain rapid mobility in complex environments, and support ongoing relief efforts. The tire drive illustrates a broader principle: collective action at the local level can translate into tangible, measurable improvements in public service readiness and resilience.
Ultimately, this effort complements broader state and regional strategies aimed at reinforcing essential infrastructure and safeguarding civil operations. It highlights the connection between manufacturing readiness, supply chain stability, and the ability of public services to function under strain. In environments where conflict or disruption can stress logistics, having a reliable supply of tires and other critical components helps ensure that essential services remain responsive and capable.