The Chinese company Chery is pushing ahead with localizing car assembly in Russia as a top priority. Vladimir Shmakov, the general manager of Chery Automobiles JSC, recalled that the firm had previously explored such projects but they were completed ahead of schedule. He added that the current moment is different: Chery recognizes that Russian production is essential for its future development and growth in the region.
According to Shmakov, the localization effort rests primarily with the company’s head office. The top executive stated that the head office is engaging in intensive talks with several Russian manufacturers about the possibility of setting up localized production. This information was reported by TASS, which quoted Shmakov directly on the matter.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
When asked if UAZ could be a potential local partner, Shmakov declined to name specific production sites or model lines planned for assembly. He emphasized that it is premature to discuss precise locations or particular vehicles at this stage. What is clear is that Chery has no immediate plans to build its own factory in Russia on the scale of Haval’s plant in Tula.
Shmakov also noted that the Moscow city government has not submitted an official request to Chery Automobiles JSC about a joint venture to create a Moskvich-branded car. Earlier in May, the head of Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, announced negotiations with two potential partners. The outcome suggested that Moskvich would be established in partnership with JAC, with the involvement of KAMAZ to support the venture.
Key takeaways for the Russian market include that Chery intends to introduce further Chinese-made models to the local lineup, with the Tiggo 4 Pro expected to join the Russian catalog as one of its next new releases. The company remains focused on expanding its presence in the region through localized production and strategic partnerships rather than immediate establishment of an in-country manufacturing complex. The broader industry chatter about partnerships and new joint ventures reflects the ongoing push to strengthen domestic automotive manufacturing capabilities while leveraging Chinese engineering and supply chains. Observers note that any future production decisions will hinge on the success of negotiations with potential local manufacturers and the regulatory and economic conditions that govern such collaborations. The latest updates underline Chery’s ongoing assessment of Russia as a key growth market and its willingness to adapt its manufacturing strategy to fit local capabilities and market demand. Reports and statements from authorities in Moscow continue to shape the expectations around possible collaborations and model rollouts in the near term. The public-facing roadmap remains cautious, prioritizing careful alignment with local producers, government policy, and the evolving automotive ecosystem in Russia. For now, the focus stays on evaluating partners for localization, evaluating vehicle lines for potential assembly, and preparing for a coordinated entry that could bring modern Chinese-built vehicles closer to Russian customers. The latest disclosures also remind readers that industry insiders are watching for concrete moves that would signal a real shift toward domestic production while maintaining the flexibility to adjust plans in response to market signals. In any case, the pursuit of localization underscores a broader trend in which international automakers seek to balance global manufacturing efficiency with regional production needs, supplier networks, and regulatory environments across Russia. The end goal remains the same: deliver competitive, modern vehicles to Russian buyers through a mix of partnerships and localized assembly, backed by clear governmental and corporate commitments. Behind the scenes, public communications suggest that the path forward will be shaped by ongoing negotiations, readiness of potential partners, and the regulatory framework that governs automotive manufacturing in Russia.
- And Chery’s next novelty in Russia, while the assembly remains primarily Chinese, is expected to be the Tiggo 4 Pro crossover.
- Behind the wheel can be read in Odnoklassniki and the coverage continues to circulate within regional tech and auto press channels.