At the Kaliningrad plant operated by Avtotor, production of the Korean brand KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, is set to begin. The move marks a new phase for the facility as it aligns with the KGM product family and positions the site to serve both domestic and regional demand. The transition from SsangYong to KGM reflects a continued commitment to Korean engineering and SUV-focused models that resonate with buyers in emerging markets, including Russia.
In autumn 2025, production is planned, a detail announced by Vitaly Osipov, the General Manager of Rax Motors. Osipov’s remarks point to a carefully staged launch with capacity aligned to market demand and a coordinated dealer network. The plan envisions ramping up manufacturing while ensuring the supply chain can meet the expectations of Russian buyers and service providers, creating a stable introduction for the KGM range in the region.
RAX Motors serves as the official distributor of KGM in Russia. The initial lineup will include Tivoli, Korando, Torres, and Ram Rexton as KGM vehicles enter the market. In the first year, the distributor aims to sell about 20,000 vehicles across the country, supported by a five-year warranty program designed to reassure customers about service and reliability in the long term.
Sales of crossovers are scheduled to begin in March 2025, with the Rexton SUV expected to reach showrooms in autumn as part of a coordinated market rollout. These dates outline a concrete calendar for the model wave accompanying the brand’s market entry, providing dealers and buyers with a clear timeline for availability, financing options, and aftersales planning.
Earlier notes referenced four weaknesses associated with Chinese cars. While that discussion forms part of the broader industry context, it does not alter the facts of KGM’s planned approach and the strategy to introduce a new Korean brand into the Russian market through the Kaliningrad facility and the RAX Motors distribution network.