Denis Manturov outlined the ambitions of the Chinese brand Haval to broaden its model lineup in Russia and to increase domestic production. He noted that partners are planning to push both the range of vehicles and the capacity to manufacture them locally, signaling positive prospects for deeper collaboration in both areas.
Haval aims to localize production in Russia by more than 80 percent within six years, a move that would deepen the integration of the brand into the Russian automotive landscape. The discussion highlighted ongoing cooperation with Chinese companies as they enter the Russian market with clear expectations for localization requirements set by the Russian authorities.
Manturov emphasized that Chinese partners have shown strong discipline in following through on commitments. He recalled his firsthand experience with the Khaveil project in Tula and confirmed that the partners are ahead of schedule on localization milestones. This proactive approach aligns with a broader trend of expanding local industrial capabilities and building a robust supply chain within Russia.
Alongside opportunities with foreign brands, Russia is also nurturing the growth of its domestic production. International brands have established their own manufacturing facilities in the country, contributing to a powerful automotive sector. A growing ecosystem of engineers, researchers, and technicians has emerged, along with a solid scientific and technical tradition that supports both fundamental and applied innovation. This development has yielded tangible results already, reinforcing Russia’s position in the global auto industry.
Manturov cited Aurus as an example of Russia’s evolving technological competencies. He pointed out that in 2008 such a project would have been impractical due to missing core capabilities, whereas today the country possesses essential competencies that enable advanced automotive programs to advance more smoothly and with greater confidence.
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Currently, the Haval Motor Manufacturing Rus plant in the Tula region produces the Haval F7, Haval F7x, Haval Jolion crossovers and the Haval H9 frame SUV. The factory’s capacity supports production of up to 70,000 vehicles annually, underscoring Russia’s growing role in regional automotive manufacturing. This expansion aligns with a broader push to increase local content and strengthen the domestic supply chain, reducing dependence on external imports and creating new opportunities for regional suppliers.
A photo caption: Haval