Production of the Sollers Argo compact light trucks has commenced at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, confirmation provided by TASS during a teleconference led by Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov. He announced the launch and emphasized the scale of the initiative, noting it as a major step in expanding the country’s automotive capabilities. The project carries an investment of about 1 billion rubles and is designed to assemble more than 10,000 units every year. By 2024, the program aims to achieve a domestic content rate of 60 percent, underscoring efforts to strengthen local sourcing and localization across the supply chain. [Cited: TASS]
The Sollers Argo is conceived as a compact cab-forward vehicle optimized for urban transportation. With a gross vehicle weight class between 2.5 and 3.5 tons, it is well-suited for city logistics, on-demand delivery, and light-duty duties that require nimble maneuverability and dependable payload support. The engine lineup features a diesel option producing around 130 horsepower and a gasoline variant delivering approximately 147 horsepower. The basic configuration places safety and comfort front and center, including features such as air conditioning, an integrated audio system, driver and passenger airbags, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). These characteristics reflect a clear focus on practical daily operation in congested urban environments and a readiness to meet the demands of urban fleets and local businesses. By aligning performance with efficiency and safety, the Argo aims to offer a balanced solution for last-mile tasks and regional distribution in the domestic market.
In related developments, Geely Coolray crossover sales in Russia were announced to begin in October, signaling a broader rollout of new models into the domestic market during 2024 and 2025. Together, these movements paint a picture of Russia prioritizing domestically produced and internationally sourced passenger and light-commercial vehicles as the country expands its automotive output and builds greater resilience into its supply chain. This strategy resonates with fleet operators in North America and Canada seeking reliable, cost-efficient urban vehicles with robust parts availability and service networks, highlighting potential parallels in how cities manage urban mobility and commercial logistics. [Cited: TASS]