The KamAZ project led by chief executive Sergey Kogogin and businessman Ruben Vardanyan is widely described as the anchor for a revived line of Moskvich electric vehicles. Reports from Vedomosti, echoed by multiple insiders, note that the revival plan centers on creating a modernized electric mobility lineup under the Moskvich brand. A person close to the publication suggests that the start of Moskvich production could be set for 2024, though another source indicates that no final decision has been made yet and the timeline remains under review.
According to the same circle of informants, the initial Moskvich electric vehicles are anticipated to arrive with support from Chinese tooling. The plan reportedly envisions a gradual rollout beginning with a limited early production run and expanding later as the design and supplier network solidify. Initial projections had the first cars expected by 2022, with a target to produce hundreds of units in the early phase. The fleet under consideration in the first wave includes several crossovers alongside an electric car, signaling a diverse approach to electrification and consumer appeal.
Former Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin publicly indicated that KamAZ would serve as the principal technological partner for the revived Moskvich enterprise. This collaboration is framed as a strategic backbone to bring advanced manufacturing capabilities to the plant and accelerate the development of electric propulsion and related systems. At the same time, the plan incorporates an ongoing production program for internal combustion engine vehicles during the initial stage, reflecting a phased transition that preserves current capabilities while testing the market demand for electric mobility.
In the longer view, there is speculation that KamAZ may progressively broaden its role to include the assembly of electric vehicles as the product portfolio evolves. The overall strategy appears to hinge on leveraging KamAZ’s industrial platform and the resources of its new partners to establish a credible domestic production chain for Moskvich, blending traditional automotive engineering with cutting edge battery and electric drivetrain technologies. Market observers in Canada and the United States are watching closely for any official announcements that would signal a shift toward greater domestic manufacturing and potential export opportunities in North America. The information appears to come from a mix of official statements and industry chatter, underscoring the urgency and competition inherent in Russia’s push to rebrand Moskvich as a competitive name in electric mobility while navigating global supply chains and regulatory environments.