AGR Automotive Group has secured certification for two models under the Solaris brand, marking a milestone after it took control of the former Hyundai Motor factories in Russia. The certification, now listed in the Rosstandart records and reported by Drom, confirms official authorization for these vehicles to be produced and sold not only within Russia but also across other member states of the Customs Union. This paves the way for Solaris to extend its footprint beyond its Russian lineup with the rebranded versions of known Hyundai models.
Specifically, the HS sedan and HC crossover receive Vehicle Type Approval as versions derived from the Hyundai Solaris and Hyundai Creta respectively. The documents endorse continued production and distribution, reinforcing Solaris as a distinct brand while leveraging existing manufacturing capacity. The approval signals a legal framework for the vehicles to enter consumer markets with recognized safety and compliance standards, aligning Solaris with other automaker brands operating under Russian regulatory oversight.
In a notable corporate shift, the St. Petersburg plant formerly operated by Hyundai is now under new ownership. The acquisition transfer occurred when the plant came under the control of Art-Finance, the parent company of AGR LLC, a key player in Russia’s automotive manufacturing landscape. Alongside this, AGR is also the proprietor of the Kaluga plant previously associated with Volkswagen in the region. The Solaris model lineup has expanded to include HS, HC, KRS, and KRX, reflecting a broader strategy to consolidate production capabilities and offer a diversified range under the Solaris banner.
Industry observers have also discussed practical consumer considerations tied to vehicle ownership, including ongoing questions about maintaining or optimizing compulsory vehicle insurance discounts. These discussions underscore the broader context in which Solaris vehicles will enter markets, touching on regulatory requirements, insurance considerations, and the customer choices that shape continued brand growth in the region.