The Kaluga region’s idle car assembly plants are slated to run in a test mode through December, with plans to shift toward broader production in the near term. This development comes from regional authorities and reflects a cautious approach to restarting the automotive sector in the area. Officials indicated that test runs would begin this month, laying the groundwork for a return to full-scale manufacturing in the year ahead.
Officials added that the regional automotive cluster currently includes 30 companies, with eight studios or facilities experiencing idle status. This snapshot highlights the staggered pace of revival across the industry, where some plants are poised to resume operations while others remain offline for restructuring or scheduling reasons.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has focused on the broader regional and cross-border collaboration in the automotive field. Reports indicate ongoing discussions with neighboring Kazakhstan about expanding assembly capacity, including the potential to boost production of well-known models such as Lada cars, thereby reinforcing regional supply chains and capacity sharing.
In parallel, St. Petersburg saw the opening of a new regional branch of AvtoVAZ’s scientific and technical center. The facility is tasked with advancing component production, developing new automotive parts and systems, and providing engineering and technical support to vehicle manufacturing. It will also facilitate university collaboration and assist suppliers working in systems engineering, reinforcing the region’s innovation pipeline and industry partnerships.
Industry observers note chatter about consumer demand and market dynamics, including reports from media outlets regarding the availability of certain SUV models in the national market. While some models are in shorter supply, the sector continues to adapt, aligning production plans with projected demand and export opportunities. The ongoing coordination between regional authorities, manufacturers, and educational institutions aims to strengthen the domestic car industry and ensure a steady path toward increased local content and technology transfer. The overall trajectory points to a measured revival, balancing capacity expansion with quality and resilience across the automotive value chain.