At the Moskvich factory, officials reaffirmed a long-standing practice: car brands are identified by digital indices, a convention the company calls out in its press materials. The approach signals a new naming scheme for all upcoming models, beginning with the Moskvich 3, where each model is assigned a numeric identifier that reflects its place within the brand’s lineup.
The number communicates two key details: the size of the vehicle and its rank in the series. An optional suffix may appear in the model designation to indicate a variant. For instance, the letter “e” denotes an electric version, providing a quick cue about the propulsion type while preserving a cohesive family name for the range.
An official update confirmed the start of SKD assembly for Moskvich 3 units in the capital on 23 November. Sales of the revived marque are slated to begin in the capital in December 2022, with distribution expanding to other regions afterward.
The compact crossover Moskvich 3 is planned to feature a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 150 horsepower (210 Nm of peak torque). This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), catering to buyers who prefer traditional driving dynamics or smoother, gearless operation. Earlier statements indicated that the new Moskvich models are upgraded versions derived from Chinese JAC crossovers, adapted for local production and market preferences.
In Naberezhnye Chelny, early in November, the first Moskvich 3e electric car was unveiled, signaling the brand’s expansion into electrified powertrains alongside its conventional gasoline variants. The 3e showcases the company’s intent to offer an electrified option in the same family that supports the brand’s broader strategy of creating accessible, modern mobility solutions while maintaining a clear, scalable naming system that helps customers understand the model’s position and capabilities at a glance. The electric version underscores the growing demand for compact EVs in both national markets and neighboring regions, aligning with broader industry shifts toward cleaner urban transportation and resilient, domestic manufacturing capabilities. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of a recognizable, consistent naming convention as the Moskvich name returns to the market with renewed energy and geographic reach, backed by local assembly and regional distribution infrastructure.