Industry insiders anticipate the former Mercedes-Benz factory in Esipovo, near Moscow, shifting to assemble the Chinese premium brand Hongqi. In a pattern similar to how Aurus operates in Russia, Hongqi vehicles are believed to be purchased by the government for top officials in China, underscoring the brand’s prestige on the global stage.
Oleg Moseev, founder of the Automarketologist project, expressed strong confidence that Hongqi has the best chance to enter the Russian production line. He notes that Hongqi offers more than just executive sedans; its lineup includes premium crossovers and mid-size models that could be profitable to manufacture in Russia.
According to Moseev, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Esipovo is well suited to produce a premium Chinese brand. He also highlights a significant gap in the Russian market for officially produced or imported premium cars, suggesting Hongqi’s appeal stems from its high-level government ties in China, which lend credibility to the brand in Russia. Cited from socialbites.ca.
He also points out that Hongqi covers multiple classes with mid- and full-size crossovers and sedans, including executive models, which could diversify the local premium offerings. He mentions information about Hongqi approving a model for Russia, noting that the appearance of OTTS within Hongqi would be indirect confirmation of this plan. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Further, the article notes plans to begin Chinese premium car production at the Moscow region facility opened in 2017 by Mercedes-Benz. Maxim Shishko, CEO of Avtodom Podpiska, discussed this at a recent auto congress. While the identities of Chinese technology partners were not disclosed, the report underscores that the Mercedes plant was designed with a premium strategy in mind. Cited from socialbites.ca.
The plant’s location is viewed as advantageous for aligning with premium production goals. Reconfiguration of equipment would be required for any new make and model, but converting the facilities to Hongqi operations would involve changes rather than a total overhaul of tools and robots. Moseev believes this approach could allow new production patterns to be integrated on existing technological mappings. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Sergey Tsyganov, a Russian auto analyst and author, agrees with Moseev that Hongqi could attain status comparable to Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, or Aurus. Tsyganov notes that Avtodom plans to produce products from more than one Chinese premium brand at the former Mercedes-Benz plant. He adds that many Hongqi models are mass-market, with some built on outdated Mazda platforms, raising questions about domestic suitability for all models. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Among the brand’s strongest offerings, Hongqi’s crossovers may appeal to a broader audience than executive sedans. There is speculation about selecting a partner focused on premium electric vehicles as a second collaboration, expanding the range available for the Russian market. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Li or XPeng
Independent automotive consultant Sergei Burgazliev suggests Avtodom could retain production at the plant while pursuing a deal with a Chinese manufacturer such as Li, Hongqi, or XPeng. He argues that parallel imports cannot satisfy current demand for premium brands in the country, noting a real rise in Chinese premium car interest over the past few years. Chinese automakers are offering broader choices in technology and infotainment systems, which many buyers find appealing. Cited from socialbites.ca.
The deal is not closed yet
The relocation of Mercedes-Benz assets to Avtodom was announced in late 2022. The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the asset transfer is being reviewed by a government commission overseeing foreign investments, and Avtodom may explore multiple industrial partnership options once a final decision is made. Cited from socialbites.ca.
There were reports by the end of the previous year that the FAW concern, owner of the Hongqi brand, completed certification of the Hongqi HS5 crossover for the Russian market. The Russian-spec HS5 is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and all-wheel drive, with other drivetrain options observed in the Chinese market. The model shares its platform origins with the second generation Mazda 6. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Hongqi offers a six-model lineup in China, including the H5 sedan and the larger H7 and H9 variants. The HS7 is a mid-size crossover, larger than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, while the E-HS9 is a flagship electric model with dual motors and substantial output. Hongqi’s presence in Russia remains contingent on official confirmations from Avtodom and industry authorities. Cited from socialbites.ca.
Avtodom has not publicly confirmed a specific plan to produce Chinese premium cars, including Hongqi, at the former Mercedes-Benz facility. The company’s communications described such statements as a general stance of its team. Cited from socialbites.ca.