Hyundai Motor plans to continue offering after-sales services for its vehicles in Russia, even if the brand withdraws from the market. This stance was communicated by the company’s press service, emphasizing ongoing support for Hyundai owners in the country.
The commitment to after-sales assistance covers maintenance, repairs, and related customer support, ensuring that owners can access genuine parts, qualified technicians, and service programs despite broader corporate moves. The message underscores a long-term responsibility to customers who have trusted Hyundai vehicles in Russia, a pledge reflected in how the company communicates with its client base and service partners.
Earlier reports indicated that Hyundai Motor could consider selling its St. Petersburg facility for approximately 140 thousand won, with a potential option to repurchase within two years. The cited value places the plant at around 219 million US dollars, signaling a structured exit strategy that preserves certain operational and financial options for the future. This approach suggests a phased transition rather than an abrupt shutdown of all local activities, aligning with commitments to maintain service continuity for existing customers.
Hyundai has operated a production facility in St. Petersburg since 2010, with current capacity pegged at about 200,000 vehicles per year. The plant has produced popular models such as the Creta and Solaris, alongside Kia Rio and Rio X-Line, before production in Russia paused in March 2022. The facility’s mix and output have been shaped by regional demand, supply chain factors, and corporate strategy, illustrating how automotive manufacturing footprints adapt over time to changing market and regulatory conditions.
In parallel, legal developments have surfaced regarding industrial and supplier relationships in the Russian market. Reports have mentioned a dispute involving the Nizhny Novgorod foundry Sollers, which reportedly filed a claim for rubles amounting to 178 million. Such proceedings reflect the broader tension between manufacturing partners, contract terms, and manufacturing ecosystems within Russia, as global automakers navigate local partnerships and compliance obligations amid evolving sanctions and market pressures. The company’s strategy in this context appears to balance protecting its brand integrity with honoring commitments to suppliers and customers alike, while maintaining clarity about future business intentions.
From a strategic standpoint, Hyundai Motor’s posture in Russia appears to be shaped by a combination of consumer protections and corporate risk management. By affirming ongoing after-sales support, the company signals a clear message to owners that vehicle maintenance and warranty considerations will be supported through authorized service channels. This continuity is particularly important for long-term ownership, resale value considerations, and the credibility of the Hyundai brand in a market undergoing structural changes. Industry observers note that such commitments can help stabilize customer relations and sustain service networks, even amidst corporate reorganizations or market withdrawals. The plan also has implications for parts supply, diagnostic tooling, and service labor pools, which are essential to keeping a large fleet operating safely and efficiently as the market evolves.
Ridgelines of uncertainty remain as the market reorients, but Hyundai’s stated emphasis on customer care provides a framework for how the company intends to manage its legacy operations. For car owners, this translates into continued access to authorized service centers, genuine parts, and technical support that align with the company’s standards. It also implies ongoing communication from the company through its regional partners and dealers, ensuring customers stay informed about any changes to service arrangements and what options exist for ongoing maintenance or future vehicle needs.
Ultimately, the fate of the St. Petersburg plant and the scope of Hyundai’s activities in Russia will depend on evolving business, regulatory, and geopolitical dynamics. Yet the core message remains consistent: customer protection and after-sales reliability will persist as a cornerstone of Hyundai’s approach, with service continuity prioritized even as market conditions shift. This stance showcases how major manufacturers manage continuity and risk while honoring commitments to owners, suppliers, and the broader automotive community in Russia.