Motorinvest has begun assembling Dongfeng vehicles with internal combustion engines, according to industry reports cited by the portal Chinese cars. The move continues the company’s push to expand local production capacity and broaden its model lineup within Russia. The strategy appears to leverage existing assembly lines and supplier networks to deliver more complete vehicles to market while using familiar platforms from the Dongfeng family.
According to the publication, the DFSK 500 and DFSK ix5 are produced near Lipetsk, a site that previously hosted production activities for Kaliningrad Avtotor. The report notes that Motorinvest has already achieved a milestone of producing at least 400 units of the DFSK 500, underscoring steady output growth as the facility scales up operations. This early volume suggests a careful ramp-up plan aimed at validating the local supply chain, training the workforce, and tuning the line for longer, sustainable production runs. The Lipetsk campus is a key node in Motorinvest’s strategy to build a domestic footprint for compact crossovers on a well-established European chassis and powertrain architecture.
The company’s recent year reflects a period of rapid transition and strategic recalibration for its manufacturing activities. While no definitive public statement laid out long-term ambitions for continuing internal combustion engine production, current activity signals a flexible approach to model localization and assembly capacity. Observers note that the move aligns with a broader industry pattern in Russia, where carmakers balance import substitution with the development of domestic suppliers and regional production hubs. The evolving landscape suggests Motorinvest is weighing options across engine configurations and powertrain choices to meet market demand while navigating regulatory and economic considerations that influence vehicle production plans.
Presently, the DFSK 500 stands out as one of the most affordable options within the B-SUV segment in 2024 across the Russian Federation. It also ranks as the most compact crossover in the manufacturer’s lineup, offering a practical balance of size, efficiency, and value. The vehicle measures 4385 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and rides on a 2655 mm wheelbase. Power comes from a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine delivering 116 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. Buyers have a choice among four exterior colors: white, black, blue, and red. The DFSK 500 carries a price tag around 2.2 million rubles, positioning it as an attractive option for urban families and small businesses seeking affordable, versatile transportation with practical features and good maneuverability in tight city conditions and suburban areas. This positioning helps explain the model’s popularity in a market where cost efficiency and reliability are highly valued by everyday drivers.
In addition to traditional gasoline-powered crossovers, the Motorinvest facility in the Lipetsk region has also begun production projects focused on electrified mobility. In December, the plant expanded its manufacturing footprint to include electric crossovers under the Evolute i-Jet family, marking a notable expansion in the company’s product portfolio. The new electric crossovers bring a modern, zero-emission option to the lineup, reflecting a broader trend toward electrification within the region and the industry at large. The move to electric models at the Lipetsk site demonstrates an ongoing commitment to expanding electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities alongside existing internal combustion engine production, signaling a dual-path approach to meet diverse consumer needs and regulatory incentives. The transition is part of an overall strategy to increase domestic EV production capacity and offer a broader spectrum of affordable electrified options to customers across Russia and neighboring markets, supported by incremental investments in local skills and supply chains. These developments are being tracked by market observers who emphasize the importance of localized assembly, battery sourcing, and aftersales services in ensuring long-term competitiveness for new energy vehicles. The Evolute i-Jet program marks a milestone in the region, expanding the geography of EV manufacturing and reinforcing Lipetsk as a growing hub for modern mobility solutions. The project description and initial production milestones are often referenced in industry briefings with attribution to Motorinvest and official plant communications, illustrating a collaborative effort to advance the domestic EV ecosystem.