In the Kaluga region, the governor, Vladislav Shapsha, has reiterated that reviving car manufacturing is a priority for the area. The region hosts three plants operated by foreign automakers, including Volkswagen Group Rus, Volvo, and PSMA Rus, which is a joint venture involving Stellantis and Mitsubishi. These facilities play a pivotal role in the regional economy and in supplying vehicles to markets in Russia and beyond.
Officials acknowledge that there is no simple timetable for resuming production. The process is intricate, with many moving parts and complex negotiations behind the scenes. While some automakers are expected to restart operations in the near term, others may face a longer wait as they reassess supply chains, funding, and production plans. The governor stressed that while he will not name specific companies, the general sense is that progress is being pursued actively and that the goal is to bring lines back up as swiftly as feasible where feasible. This cautious optimism reflects a broader effort to stabilize regional industry and support workers who have faced downtime during the pause in manufacturing. [Izvestia]
Current discussions involve the main automakers and their network of suppliers, with all parties expressing a strong interest in resuming production. Shapsha underscored that the temporary halt was driven by a shortage of components and a disruption in supply chains rather than a fundamental problem with the plants themselves. That distinction is important for analysts and regional planners evaluating recovery scenarios for the automotive cluster in Kaluga. By maintaining a focus on keeping plants ready to operate, the region aims to capitalize on any reopening opportunities and to sustain employment while global supply dynamics stabilize. The situation remains fluid, but the underlying message from regional leadership centers on resilience and deliberate, proactive steps to restore manufacturing output. [Izvestia]