Recently, widespread coverage followed the cautious start of production at the Moskvich facility and the company’s plans for the future. Today, the focus shifts to how the Moskvich 3, essentially the model known as JAC JS4 abroad, comes together inside the old Renault factory walls.
The Moscow authorities honored their pledge. By year’s end, a basic, screwdriver-level assembly of real, roadworthy cars was achievable. The operation used kits arriving from China, and the work was carried out in a newly organized line, even though Renault equipment remained on site for the moment. A representative from Za Rulem, Nikita Gudkov, was on hand to demonstrate the process, providing a tangible glimpse into the project.
Eight assembly stations cover the workflow. Workers, many of them Muscovites, assemble from large components, including installing the powertrain. The result is a brand-new car rolling off the line, a visible sign of progress in the local automotive landscape.
The Moskvich look is modern and appealing. In size, it seems to fill the niche that once housed the Duster and Kaptur in these same halls. Yet the current model does not offer all-wheel drive, which leaves room for user testing and opinion. Beyond that, several specifics about the vehicle remain to be clarified as evaluations begin, with initial road tests anticipated by automotive media and enthusiasts alike.
Reaction to the video showcasing the process was swift and enthusiastic. In less than 48 hours, the post had drawn more than one and a half thousand comments from viewers and supporters.
Comments from VKontakte users:
Pavel Umrikhin: “Which production are we talking about here? How does a ‘Moskvich’ relate to this project? It is a Chinese car that was disassembled and reassembled under a new nameplate. It may even get nameplates produced in China. The 2141 model was ours before, and by those standards it seemed acceptable. But there is little of us in it overall.”
Andrey Miroshnichenko: “Pavel, first of all, the 2141 was a French development, except for the engine. French configuration was rare, expensive to source, and difficult. Secondly, a Chinese-built car today makes sense because the auto industry has become global and less localized, even when it means new technology.”
Vladimir Antonov: “Choose any car brand—almost all rely on imported components. If someone keeps a phone assembled in China and doesn’t complain, then surely a car assembled there should not be a target for critique either. If you’re unhappy, offer constructive solutions instead of yammering.”
Sergey Trofimov: “In the end it looked like a Duster with K4M or F4R engines—reliable, serviceable. And what about a 1.5 turbo with a CVT on this Chinese platform? Some concerns are fair, while others seem overly cautious.”
Pavel Chumazov: “Yes, the base is Chinese. Yes, the logo is theirs now. Yes, it’s SKD production. But it is production—and in Russia. It creates jobs and contributes taxes. This could be a hint of the industry’s possible future in the country.”
Video: VKontakte / Official Community “Behind the wheel”