The Motorinvest plant in the Lipetsk region is set to begin manufacturing a D-class hybrid crossover. This development comes from a report by TASS, which cites the company’s managing partner, Andrey Reznikov, as the source of the information.
The agency notes that the company intends to broaden its lineup to six models, with hybrids included, a plan Reznikov discussed during parliamentary hearings in the Federation Council. This signals a clear commitment to expanding electrified and hybrid options across its range, aligning with broader trends in Russia and neighboring markets toward more fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles.
As part of its growth strategy, Motorinvest aims to grow its dealer network by adding 15 car dealerships by the end of 2024. Presently, Evolute operates 35 dealer centers across Russia, a footprint that the company likely intends to strengthen to improve accessibility and after-sales support for new models, including the forthcoming D-class hybrid crossover.
At the Lipetsk facility, the current production line is dedicated to assembling electric sedans and crossovers sourced from the Chinese partner Dongfeng, all branded under Evolute for the Russian market. In mid-November, Evolute began releasing the i-Sky crossover, which in China corresponds to the Dongfeng Forthing Thunder model. This rollout reflects a broader strategy to synchronize product launches and leverage Dongfeng’s engineering for a stronger regional presence.
In earlier moves within the Chinese market, the company highlighted a significant transition involving Huawei, underscoring a shift in partnerships and technology collaborations that could influence future product capabilities and connectivity features in Evolute vehicles. This context helps explain the strategic emphasis on electrified and hybrid vehicles as part of a cohesive regional plan, rather than a standalone initiative. [Source: TASS and official briefings]