KAMAZ is advancing the Moskvich initiative at its Skolkovo research hub, according to a report by Kommersant. The project leverages KAMAZ’s deep experience in component localization and its established collaborations with major global automakers, paving the way for a contemporary Russian electric vehicle by 2025 through coordinated, cross‑company efforts.
Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, emphasized that the venture will yield a new Russian electric-vehicle platform assembled from domestically sourced components. He noted that while some parts may still be imported during the transition, this mirrors practices seen in other large-scale automotive markets where complete 100% localization is rarely achieved from day one. The aim, he added, remains to push localization as far as possible.
Current Moskvich operations
For the time being, the factory will continue producing the present model while gradually localizing more of the manufacturing chain. This includes stamping, welding, painting, and several other essential processes. Next year, Alfa Automotive Technologies’ Moscow facility is expected to begin manufacturing body panels as well, furthering domestic integration.
Liksutov expressed confidence that the crossover will find strong market traction and that the target of producing 50,000 units in 2023 is within reach. The primary revenue streams for this initiative are projected to come from car sharing, private consumers, and business segments. For instance, the city’s data-center vehicle fleets equipped with cameras rely on older Hyundai Solaris models, which have long awaited replacement. Many Moscow officials view the Moskvich crossover as a practical companion for daily work-related trips.
Photo: Depositphotos
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