The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently in talks with two Chinese automotive manufacturers that are exploring the possibility of launching local production in Russia, specifically at the former Renault site in Moscow. observers note that preliminary accords could already be on the table, or that the terms proposed by prospective partners align closely with what Moscow expects from such a venture. This outline was relayed by Presidential Assistant Igor Levitin, who spoke to the media as part of ongoing policy updates about the country’s industrial modernization drive.
Levitin also stressed that the new vehicles assembled at the Moscow plant under the Moskvich badge would be priced to appeal to a broad segment of Russian buyers. The message underscores a strategy prioritizing affordability and value, with the aim of bringing a compelling consumer proposition to the market while fostering domestic manufacturing capacity. According to his remarks, the project is designed to ensure that a substantial portion of the population can access modern, domestically produced cars without compromising on safety, reliability, or after-sales support.
Moreover, the official indicated that Russia possesses the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel to sustain a homegrown automotive industry. In addition to the Moskvich project, there is talk of potential collaboration around a compact model that could involve Kama-1, an initiative associated with Kamaz, the Naberezhnye Chelny-based specialist in heavy-duty engineering. If realized, this would create a diversified production ecosystem that brings together elements of light passenger mobility and robust commercial vehicles under a shared national framework. Officials reiterate that the start of Moskvich-branded production is anticipated within the current calendar year, signaling a concerted push to advance the country’s manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on external supply chains while offering consumers a modern lineup of locally produced vehicles.