Officials in Moscow, along with representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and KamAZ, are conducting talks with several Chinese automotive manufacturers about reactivating a car production facility that had been mothballed following Renault’s exit. The discussions, first reported by News with corroborating sources, point to a broader plan to leverage the former Moskvich plant’s capacity to bring a new generation of passenger vehicles to market. The central idea is to assemble a modern model under the Moskvich brand, drawing on the manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise of a Chinese partner. While the talks are still in their early stages, insiders say the goal is to reach a concrete agreement within roughly two weeks, aligning with the ongoing refactoring and operational restructuring that the facility is undergoing to resume production at scale. This timeline mirrors the sector’s push to revitalize domestic automotive output and preserve jobs in the region, while ensuring compliance with current regulatory and safety standards that govern vehicle manufacturing in Russia and Europe, where applicable. Source: News.
Chinese carmakers including JAC Motors, FAW and BYD are among the names cited in the negotiations, though the specific partner and the scope of involvement remain under discussion. The prevailing expectation is that at least one of these groups would contribute critical components, technology, or assembly lines to support a new Moskvich model rather than simply licensing an existing design. The conversations emphasize the importance of integrating modern electric propulsion, advanced drivetrains, and networked vehicle systems to meet contemporary consumer demand for reliability, efficiency, and performance. The parties are examining how to structure the collaboration, address supply chain logistics, and align manufacturing practices with Russia’s current industrial priorities, including localization targets and workforce training initiatives that would help ensure long-term plant viability. Source: News.
Haval, Chery and Geely—the brands commonly associated with broader discussions in the regional auto sector—have publicly stated that they are not currently negotiating for the Moskvich name or involvement with Renault’s former factory. This clarification helps distinguish the Moskvich revival plan from other potential cross-border partnerships and reassures stakeholders concerned about the brand’s heritage and the factory’s historical footprint. Industry observers note that the situation remains fluid, with multiple scenarios still on the table that could affect the plant’s restructuring, branding decisions, and product lineup. The emphasis in Moscow’s conversations is on creating a controllable, scalable path to production that can deliver a competitive vehicle while navigating the logistical realities of retooling a legacy facility and integrating it into a modern supply chain. Source: News.
Vitaliy Savelyev, head of Russia’s Ministry of Transport, has indicated that the rejuvenated Moskvich vehicle will be powered by an electric motor, signaling a clear pivot toward zero-emission mobility and alignment with national transportation ambitions. This shift toward electrification is echoed by Denis Pak, who leads the automotive industry and railway engineering department within the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Pak notes that the production of automobiles under the Moskvich name, using the former Renault plant as a base, is expected to commence within the current calendar year. The plan envisions a compact to mid-size passenger car that blends contemporary electric propulsion with familiar brand cues to appeal to domestic buyers while potentially resonating with export markets as the infrastructure and regulatory environment evolve. The commitment to launching an electric Moskvich underscores the country’s broader strategy to modernize its automotive sector, reduce dependence on imported components, and accelerate the adoption of cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation options. Source: News.