Following the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sergey Kogogin, the head of KAMAZ, spoke about the role a truck manufacturer might play in the revival of the Moskvich brand. It is recalled that KAMAZ signaled support for launching new products at the former Renault plant in Russia, now known as the Moskvich plant, at the level of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The latest statements, however, add concrete detail.
With a view toward the passenger car industry, Kogogin told TASS that, leveraging international experience and turnkey connections, KAMAZ stands ready to partner with the right player to establish production of up to 300,000 cars per year at current Moscow facilities, provided the industry environment remains stable. This marks a substantial scale-up compared with the former Renault Russia output, which operated at roughly 190,000 units annually in its last months—an indication that production capacity could nearly double under favorable conditions.
The phrase turnkey contacts, as interpreted by observers, likely points to a collaboration with a Chinese partner. KAMAZ has ongoing ties with JAC, the Chinese manufacturer already supplying a licensed cab for the Compass medium-duty truck produced in Chelny. Observers see a plausible scenario in which JAC’s involvement could extend to passenger car manufacture as part of Moskvich plant operations, though this remains speculative in public remarks.
AZLK, historically known for its road cars, has seen a line of vehicles reappear in the market through other brands. Within the current JAC lineup, a model echoes the old AZLK heritage—the J7 Liftback, introduced last year, which reflects a continuity of style and engineering that could appeal to consumers seeking retro-inspired design with modern performance.
In a separate clarification, Kogogin emphasized that KAMAZ does not intend to produce its own passenger cars. The exception would be electric vehicles under the Kama brand, which would sit outside the core strategy for traditional passenger models. This distinction suggests that the Moskvich plant’s future might be shaped more by partnerships and contract manufacturing rather than a direct KAMAZ branding initiative. Earlier statements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade chief, Denis Manturov, indicated that talks with Chinese partners were under way to launch a new line of Moskvich cars but did not disclose specific company names. Manturov subsequently noted that the Moskvich lineup would include several versions, among them hybrid and electric configurations, underscoring a broader electrification plan for the brand. Driving visuals and updates related to this project can currently be viewed on RuTube, offering a window into the evolving strategy and the public reception to these potential changes. [Citation: TASS] [Citation: Ministry of Industry and Trade] [Citation: RuTube communications]
Industry watchers in North America and Canada are paying attention to how this evolution could align with regional demand for compact and efficient family cars, taxis and fleet vehicles, plus the growing interest in electrified platforms. Analysts note that any move toward large-scale production in Moscow would require careful alignment with supply chains, labor availability, and regulatory standards across Canada and the United States. Stakeholders emphasize that the Moskvich project, if realized through a robust partnership network, could become a benchmark case for cross-border collaboration, supplier ecosystems, and the adaptation of global platforms to local markets. In this context, questions persist about timing, model mix, and the pace of localization in components of the supply chain. The forum discussions highlighted the importance of a resilient, transparent framework that would attract investment while safeguarding consumer safety and environmental commitments. The public narrative stresses that the Moskvich revival, supported by international manufacturing ecosystems, may unfold in stages, beginning with limited runs and pilot lines before expanding capacity, should demand prove solid and regulatory conditions stay favorable.
- Manturov later clarified that cars under the Moskvich brand will be produced in several versions, including hybrid and electric.
- “Driving” can now be viewed on RuTube.