The Solaris brand has entered the Russian automotive market, according to a press release shared with editors at socialbites.ca.
The brand lineup includes four models: Solaris HS, Solaris HC, Solaris KRS and Solaris KRX, all to be distributed through AGR LLC’s dealer network.
Solaris HS is a five-seat sedan with a length of 4405 mm. It offers a choice between a 1.4-liter gasoline engine delivering 100 hp or a 1.6-liter unit generating 123 hp.
The Solaris HC crossover is available in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations. It is powered by engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, producing 123 hp and 150 hp respectively.
Solaris KRS, a sedan, and Solaris KRX, a compact hatchback, come with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 123 hp.
These vehicles are manufactured in St. Petersburg, at a facility recently renamed the AGR Automobile Plant. Production takes place at the site previously used by Hyundai for vehicle assembly.
Alexey Kalitsev is the general director of the AGR Automobile Plant. He has held senior roles at Hyundai Motor CIS, contributing to the development strategy for Hyundai and Genesis brands in Russia.
In early 2024 it became clear that the Hyundai plant in St. Petersburg had a new owner. The operation is now controlled by the Russian company Art-Finance, the parent company of AGR LLC. AGR also owns the former Kaluga plant once operated by the German group Volkswagen.
The Hyundai factory in Russia began vehicle production in 2010 with an annual capacity of about 200,000 units. Operations were suspended in March 2022. Before the shutdown, the plant produced models such as the Hyundai Solaris and Creta, along with the Kia Rio X.
Earlier industry reports mentioned a Chinese hatchback styled after the Oka in the pipeline for the Russian market.