The Kaluga region’s AGR plant, previously linked with Volkswagen, will not begin car production in 2023 as planned. The start has been pushed to the early part of 2024, according to Vladislav Shapsha, the governor of Kaluga region, during a conversation with the Nika TV channel.
Shapsha explained that he cannot share details about the ongoing talks or the outcomes. He noted two reasons for keeping information private. First, trade secrets remain a concern, and second, competitors monitor every public statement and act swiftly on any disclosed hint. Despite these cautions, the governor affirmed confidence that the facility would be brought online and that efforts would continue to compensate for the missed timeline at year end by launching in early 2024. He added that the course of events would unfold as it should.
Earlier, during the Army 2023 forum, Denis Manturov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, indicated that resuming production at the former Volkswagen site in Kaluga could occur before the year closes. His remarks were made on the sidelines of the event, highlighting the government’s expectation of a near-term restart.
Additionally, reports had identified which Haval models were expected to be introduced in Russia in 2024, signaling a broader strategy for the plant and its role in the regional automotive landscape. The overall outlook points to renewed activity at Kaluga, with government and industry officials emphasizing readiness to proceed once conditions align with strategic and market goals.