A Chinese automaker, Haval, is moving forward with an engine production facility near Tula, building on the Moscow-era expansion plans shared by people involved in the group’s regional growth. The portal Chinese Cars quotes Ivan Dushkin, who is the head of foreign relations for Haweil Motor Manufacturing Rus in the Tula region. Dushkin confirms that the new engine plant will operate under one roof with the existing automobile manufacturing complex, sharing infrastructure, logistics, and many supporting services with the current factory floor where vehicles are assembled.
Dushkin notes that design and construction of the engine site began in 2021, and the facility has reached a state ready for full operation. He did not provide a precise opening date, but stressed that the project has progressed to the point where commissioning and integration with existing processes can proceed smoothly once a formal launch is announced.
The plan envisions producing about 100 thousand engines each year. This output is intended to support roughly nine-tenths of the Haval model range sold in Russia, ensuring ample supply for current and upcoming versions produced locally. The initial lineup for the engine factory includes both 1.5-liter and 2-liter configurations to meet the performance needs of different models and trims within the Haval portfolio in the region.
At present, the plant near Tula also manufactures several popular models in addition to engines. The Jolion, F7, F7x, and Dargo crossovers are assembled on site alongside the H9 SUV. This production mix underscores the integrated approach taken by the company, where major components and the final vehicle converge in a single shared facility to streamline operations and reduce logistic delays. The site’s geographic position supports distribution to major urban centers and growing regional markets across Russia, while enabling a quick response to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
Industry observers see this expansion aligning with broader regional strategies aimed at boosting local manufacturing capabilities, encouraging supplier participation, and strengthening the automotive ecosystem in central Russia. By bringing engine production closer to vehicle assembly, the company aims to improve cost efficiency, shorten lead times, and enhance quality control across the assembly line. The move also reflects a growing trend among international OEMs to diversify production footprints and localize more of the supply chain, reducing exposure to cross-border disruptions and currency fluctuations. In this context, the Tula project stands as a meaningful milestone for the national automotive market, signaling ongoing investment and confidence in regional manufacturing strength.
Historical notes show that this initiative builds on earlier milestones in the partner’s presence in Russia, where the existing factory complex has already established a reputation for steady output and a broad product lineup. With a dedicated engine facility, the enterprise positions itself to offer a more self-contained production cycle, potentially enabling tighter synchronization between engine supply and vehicle assembly. For customers and dealers, the outcome could translate into more consistent vehicle availability, faster adaptation to model updates, and opportunities for local optimization of components and service networks. The anticipated production cadence and engine options reflect the company’s intent to maintain competitiveness while serving the needs of the Russian market and neighboring regions that share similar demand patterns for compact and mid-size crossover utilities.
As the project progresses, stakeholders will watch how the engine factory integrates with the existing plant, including the deployment of advanced manufacturing practices, quality assurance protocols, and training programs for local personnel. The collaboration between engineering teams and production staff is essential to realizing the full benefits of the shared facility, ensuring that engine and vehicle manufacturing operate in harmony. The plan to produce 100 thousand engines annually signals a substantial commitment to in-country manufacturing and points to downstream effects on supply chains, wage levels, and regional employment opportunities tied to high-volume automotive production. If the current trajectory continues, the Tula site could become a key pillar supporting Haval’s growth in the region and beyond.