The Nizhny Novgorod metalcasting facility Rosalit, part of the Sollers group, has become the center of a financial dispute tied to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus LLC. A recent filing indicates a lawsuit filed in St. Petersburg seeking 178 million rubles, with sources noting the claim was reported by the Telegram channel Unlimited. The action appears linked to the cooperation agreement that was previously signed between Rosalit and the Hyundai operation in Russia, and aims to recover costs associated with the venture. [Source: Unlimited Telegram channel]
Rosalit is pursuing reimbursement for expenditures tied to the joint project, which envisioned the company taking on the manufacture of cylinder block components for Hyundai engines in the NU family. The 2.0-liter engines were slated for installation across Hyundai and Kia models, representing a strategic bet on localized production for a broad vehicle lineup. The arrangement placed Rosalit at the manufacturing forefront, with expectations of integrating advanced casting technologies into the supply chain. [Source: Unlimited Telegram channel]
Financial planning for the project forecasted total investments of 408.4 million rubles. A significant portion, 323 million rubles, came as a concessional loan from the Industrial Development Fund (IDF), underscoring the government-backed support structure behind the automotive component sector in the region. The funding framework was designed to accelerate the introduction of high-precision casting capabilities and to enhance Rosalit’s capacity to deliver critical engine components to Hyundai. [Source: Unlimited Telegram channel]
Within the scope of the collaboration with Hyundai, Rosalit anticipated acquiring a modern casting machine equipped with a smart mold adjustment system and a suite of additional production equipment. The objective was to streamline part tolerances and boost efficiency in the casting process for complex automotive components. The defendant cited in the St. Petersburg lawsuit is Hyundai Via LLC, the entity that owns the Russian Hyundai engine plant, which would be the ultimate customer and user of the produced parts. The legal action reflects ongoing tensions over cost allocation and the financial commitments undertaken during the initial phase of the project. [Source: Unlimited Telegram channel]
In a separate development, the automotive sector has seen noteworthy movements as AvtoVAZ announced upgrades to its Lada Niva Travel range, including genuine leather upholstered seats. This update signals continued investment in interior quality and model differentiation for mainstream Russian brands, illustrating how manufacturers balance partnerships, local industrial capabilities, and consumer demand. [Source: Unlimited Telegram channel]