Moscow’s Moskvich 3: executive purchase, production shift, and market rollout
The deputy mayor of Moscow for transport, Maxim Liksutov, has publicly stated his plans to acquire a Moskvich crossover for personal use. He confirmed his intention to purchase the white Moskvich model, emphasizing this would be his own choice and not a company perk. The information originates from a statement carried by the news agency RIA Novosti.
In late 2022, the Moskvich project entered a new phase with the start of CKD assembly of the Moskvich 3 crossovers in Moscow. This marked a transition toward local production, with the initial batch set to be sold within the capital in December and subsequently expanding to other regions. The Moskvich 3 is positioned as an accessible option in the revived brand lineup, with prices beginning around 1.97 million rubles. The vehicle is offered in a palette of five colors, including white, black, red, gray, and blue, catering to a broad range of consumer tastes.
There has also been public commentary regarding leadership statements about the Moskvich project at the highest levels of government. A former press secretary to the president, who has commented on the matter, noted that Vladimir Putin does not currently intend to test the Moskvich 3 personally. This adds context to the broader national approach to the brand revival and its reception among officials and the public.
Industry observers in Moscow describe the Moskvich 3 as a symbol of the city’s renewed manufacturing capabilities and a test case for modernized, locally assembled vehicles. The transition to assembly work in Moscow was presented as a strategic step to shorten supply chains, improve service access for urban buyers, and provide a tangible example of the country’s automotive resilience. The price point and color options are designed to appeal to a wide audience, including families and urban commuters who require a compact crossover with practical dimensions and contemporary features.
While the Moskvich 3 aims to reestablish a familiar name in Russia’s car market, it also represents broader ambitions for domestic production and export potential within the region. As assembly expands beyond the initial batches, sales channels are expected to broaden to other Russian regions, and potentially neighboring markets. This phased rollout aligns with expectations for new vehicle introductions that blend heritage branding with modern engineering and local manufacturing strengths. Observers caution that the market will closely watch real-world performance, reliability, and after-sales support as a measure of the revival’s long-term success. (Source: RIA Novosti)