Overview of Avtovaz, Renault Russia and the Moscow Plant Transition
On May 16, 2022, the Renault Group Board of Directors approved signing agreements that would transfer 67.69% of AVTOVAZ shares and 100% of Renault Russia shares to the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation FSUE NAMI. Shortly thereafter, information emerged about the Moscow plant of Renault Russia, previously known as Avtoframos and earlier as AO Moskvich and AZLK. The move positioned the factory for a broader city-backed role and hinted at the next phase of vehicle production in Moscow. The city’s leadership indicated a reshaping of the facility to serve the needs of Moscow and the surrounding region, with a staged plan to introduce electric vehicles alongside traditional models, and with KAMAZ acting as a technology partner.
The core question on many minds was simple: what kinds of cars would emerge from this renovated facility?
Classic cars with internal combustion engines
As of now, only one concrete development has been confirmed: after the cessation of Renault Duster, Arkana, and Kaptur production at the Moscow site in late April, officials acknowledged that Lada-branded vehicles could be manufactured on the same assembly line. Since that admission, there has been little new information publicly released, and inquiries were sent to AVTOVAZ’s press team to solicit clarification on future production plans.
Not Renault-branded vehicles
On the day the deal was announced, Russian Automotive reported, citing its own sources, that Renault Group would not retain a buy-back option for the Russian factory within six years under the terms of the agreement. If this is accurate, it would imply Renault cannot resume Renault-branded vehicle assembly at the Moscow plant. At the same time, producers in Togliatti stated that Renault cars would continue to be produced, but under the Lada brand. Denis Pak, who leads the automotive industry and railway technology department at the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared that AVTOVAZ had reached an understanding with the French group to manufacture a Renault Duster crossover under the Lada name. This arrangement would keep the plant engaged in Renault-branded technology while aligning with local branding strategies.
Turning back to the Moscow site, the change in ownership and branding raised questions about how the factory would operate in the near term and what models might appear under the Moskvich emblem.
Electric vehicle (EV) production
Two key statements from Moscow’s mayor point toward a substantive EV component in the plant’s future. First, the emphasis on electric vehicles is explicit, signaling a long-term transition toward electrification. Second, KAMAZ is described as a technology partner, aligning with KAMAZ’s experience in developing electric commercial vehicles. Observers noted that the initial production mix could involve an early focus on EVs, with traditional combustion models alongside them as the plant scales.
Earlier in 2022, plans for where electric vehicle assembly would occur remained fluid. Some chatter suggested partial production in Russia and some in Hungary, but those options appear unlikely given the latest statements and shifting strategic priorities.
At the official level, details about Moskvich-branded vehicles slated for Moscow production have not yet been publicly disclosed. The plant’s historical output primarily included Renault Kaptur, Arkana, and Duster crossovers, with a production discontinuation announced at the end of April 2022.
- Before the restructuring, the Renault Russia facility produced the Kaptur, Arkana, and Duster crossovers; the April 2022 announcement confirmed the end of that production run.
- Updates and discussions about the project have circulated through various media channels, with information sometimes shared via messaging apps and informal outlets.
As the Moscow factory transitions, industry observers are watching closely for how the Moskvich brand will re-enter production, what model lines will appear first, and how EVs will be integrated into the lineup while leveraging the expertise of partners like KAMAZ. The evolving plan reflects broader shifts in Russian automotive strategy, with a focus on domestic production, brand reintroduction, and the potential for electrified offerings in the near term.
Note: All updates are based on public statements and reported industry analysis up to the current date. The situation remains dynamic as company strategies, regulatory oversight, and market demand continue to shape the path forward.
Citations: Official statements from the Renault Group and AVTOVAZ communications, and reports from the Russian automotive press and industry analyses. (Source attributions: Renault Group press materials; AVTOVAZ communications; Russian ministry announcements; industry trade reporting.)