The Kaluga plant, once a Volkswagen facility, is starting a large-scale production run for the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max crossover line. A Telegram channel known as Auto Stream reported the development, signaling a notable shift in Russia’s automotive manufacturing landscape as a new model moves from concept to factory-floor reality.
Initial plans indicate a first batch of 120 vehicles slated for completion by the end of January. This early output is designed to test the line and validate efficiency, with the production pace expected to rise in successive stages. In subsequent rounds, the company aims to double the output with each cycle, bringing batches of 240 vehicles, then 480 vehicles, and so on. The staged approach reflects a cautious expansion strategy that aligns capacity with demand forecasts and supplier readiness.
Representatives from Chery, including engineers and production specialists, have visited the Kaluga site to review the tooling, workflow, and quality controls. The Tiggo 7 Pro Max is set to be produced on a large-volume assembly line where major subsystems—such as power units and suspension components—are integrated with completed vehicle bodies in Kaluga. A noteworthy detail from industry sources is that several pieces of processing equipment required for the full-scale operation have not yet been acquired, suggesting a careful ramp-up to avoid overextension while the plant optimizes the configuration for this model family.
Market developments in Russia have also seen price adjustments affecting the Chery brand. Observers noted a decline in the price of the most premium Chery crossover, which could influence buyer sentiment and overall demand for new Tiggo 7 Pro Max units as production scales up. The evolving pricing landscape, combined with a new manufacturing footprint, signals a strategic move by Chery to broaden its footprint in the region while aligning product availability with shifting market dynamics.