Russian car dealers are moving toward a class action to recover 1.5 billion rubles in debts from the automaker Moskvich, linked to Renault. The news comes from Prime and is attributed to Andrey Petrenko, who serves as vice president of the association Russian Auto Dealers, known as ROAD. In conversations with the press, Petrenko outlined how obligations to customers were shared between AvtoVAZ, the supplier of spare parts, and the Moskvich plant. The central issue centers on after-sales service programs: dealers handle these programs at their own cost, and the automaker provides compensation only after the fact. This is a point of friction that has drawn attention in the industry and among dealer networks, making the debt dispute a symbol of broader supply chain and warranty questions in the wake of Renault’s departure from the project. The endorsement of this claim by ROAD signals a serious intent to pursue legal remedies to secure overdue payments for services already rendered and for parts supply that should have been reimbursed. The public statements suggest a determination to ensure that the dealer network receives fair compensation for the work performed when the original contracting arrangements were in force, as described by Prime and reiterated by ROAD’s leadership. The situation grew more complex after Renault exited and Moskvich became the successor entity. According to Petrenko, Renault left behind a substantial liability that was not fully absorbed, and Moskvich now faces an approximate 1.5 billion rubles obligation to its dealer network. This stance reflects a broader pattern seen in post-divestiture transitions where successor companies inherit not only assets but also a range of ongoing financial commitments that require careful reconciliation. ROAD’s deputy head asserts that the dealers proposed negotiations with Renault’s management to resolve the debt issue, yet there was no response from Renault at the time of the reported discussions. This lack of engagement from Renault is framed by ROAD as a missed opportunity to settle the matters outside of court, reducing friction and stabilizing relationships within the network. The context around these discussions includes Renault’s strategic moves, notably transferring control of the Moscow plant to the Moscow government in May of the previous year. Following this transfer, the plant reverted in name to Moskvich, underscoring the shifting branding and corporate governance that have accompanied the transition. The broader market backdrop also features related developments in the city, where a public shift in vehicle policy manifested in the renewal of a government parking facility using Moskvich 3 crossovers, an example cited as indicative of the plant’s evolving role in the local automotive ecosystem. These events highlight how brand and corporate restructurings intersect with dealer payments and after-sales obligations, creating a complex web of responsibilities that dealers argue were not fully honored after Renault’s exit. The evolving narrative in Moscow and across the Russian auto sector suggests that the Moskvich-Renault transition continues to influence dealer expectations, financial settlements, and strategic decisions within the broader automotive market. The ROAD association emphasizes the importance of transparent accounting for service obligations and the timely settlement of debts as essential to maintaining dealer confidence and supplier stability. In this sense, the anticipated legal action is not just about a single debt figure but about clarifying the framework for post-deal responsibilities, ensuring that all parties meet their commitments and that dealer networks can continue to perform essential services without facing financial uncertainty. The situation remains a developing story with implications for warranty programs, spare parts supply chains, and the ongoing health of the Moscow automotive ecosystem, a topic likely to attract continued scrutiny from industry observers, policymakers, and the public. The outcome of any forthcoming proceedings could set important precedents for how successor entities manage legacy obligations and how manufacturers engage with dealer networks in the wake of corporate restructuring. The story is being followed closely as it unfolds, with industry participants hoping for a resolution that preserves the integrity of after-sales services while addressing the legitimate debts claimed by the dealer community. Overall, dealers and industry watchers alike are awaiting clarity on how Moskvich will reconcile these debts and how Renault’s role in the transition will be accounted for in future financial settlements. The evolving situation underscores the ongoing tension between corporate reorganizations and the practical needs of a dealer network that continues to serve customers and fulfill service commitments in a changing market landscape. [Источник Prime] [Источник ROAD]
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