Following the cessation of official Korean car supplies to Russia, demand for Hyundai and Kia models remains strong among Russian buyers. In response, a Solaris-branded line appeared, helping to sustain interest and boost orders. This shift was reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing Maxim Davidenko, who leads the Product and Service Development Department at Alfa-Leasing Group.
Davidenko noted that the Solaris HC is offered starting at 2 million 850 thousand rubles. Yet price has not discouraged prospective buyers; today there is a queue of two to three people for each Solaris model, a testament to the vehicles’ reputation built over years of use and reliability.
Renat Tyukteev, Deputy General Director at Avilon AG responsible for new car sales, observed that buyers were patiently waiting for these cars. They recognize the vehicles are built with modern technologies that ensure high quality and consistency in performance.
The Solaris lineup originated from St. Petersburg, where the plant known as AGR Automobile Plant operates. The facility took over production at the former Hyundai plant site, continuing vehicle assembly in the region.
Alexey Kalitsev serves as the general director of the AGR Automobile Plant. He previously held senior roles within Hyundai Motor CIS and was involved in shaping the development strategy for Hyundai and Genesis models in Russia. The Solaris family includes several variants, such as HS, HC, KRS and KRX, broadening the brand’s market presence.
Hyundai’s Russia manufacturing activities began in 2010, with an annual capacity of around 200,000 vehicles. Operations were paused in March 2022. Prior to the suspension, the production line included models like Solaris and Creta from Hyundai, along with the Kia Rio X. The region has also seen the introduction of Geely Okavango in the market at a later stage, reflecting ongoing shifts in local assembly and branding strategies.
Geographic and corporate shifts have shaped the local automotive landscape, underscoring how brands adapt to changing trade environments while maintaining consumer access to popular models. These moves illustrate the interplay between manufacturing sites, brand portfolios, and market demand, which together influence pricing, availability, and the speed with which new or revised models reach buyers. The result is a dynamic market where established brands maintain relevance through continuity in supply and perceived value, even amid sanctions and structural adjustments in the broader automotive ecosystem [citation].