Hiphi, the Chinese premium electric car brand that has gained attention in Russia, has halted production for six months at its sole factory located in Yancheng, north of Shanghai. This information emerged from a report by Car NewsChina.
An internal memo sent to workers via WeChat reveals that the production line will go offline for six months starting February 18. Access to the factory is restricted during this period. The notice also states that January salaries will be paid by the end of February, while the payment date for February work will be confirmed later.
HiPhi is a luxury electric vehicle line under Human Horizons, a Chinese automaker focusing on advanced battery technology and futuristic design language. The company has faced financial strain in the past, with reports highlighting halted development and travel delays for staff salaries. The current shutdown adds to a pattern of financial turbulence that has affected planning and timelines in recent quarters.
There have been discussions about HiPhi vehicles being sold in Russia through parallel imports. In recent years, large dealer networks and distributorships have been involved in facilitating imports, shaping a niche channel for premium electric cars in that market.
Earlier chatter suggested there could be interest in expanding to Russia, alongside potential evaluations of models from regions such as Iran and India. Market probes and interest in cross-border opportunities have periodically surfaced, reflecting a broader trend of emerging demand for high-end electric sedans and crossovers in the region, even as manufacturers reassess supply chains and regional strategies.