Sollers plans a restart of the former Isuzu plant, now called Sollers Comtrans, with a target to resume production by the end of 2023. This strategic move comes as TASS reports through Zoya Kaika, the company’s vice president. The plan centers on launching a fresh line of vehicles that signals a return to manufacturing at the facility and a renewed footprint in the market. The company aims to restart production in Ulyanovsk, signaling a deliberate revival of regional industrial capacity and a broader effort to reestablish a domestic lineup after years of strategic realignment. Kaika highlighted the timeline for the new line, noting that the initial manufacturing phase would be completed and ready for market entry by year-end, underscoring a focus on a scheduled launch window rather than a late rollout. The initiative is framed as a response to competitive pressures in Russia, where the company previously held a notable share through its Isuzu-derived lineup, and seeks to recapture consumer interest and stabilize volumes during a period of adjustment in the domestic automotive landscape.
Statements from Sollers leadership indicate that the forthcoming models will populate an assortment designed to help Sollers maintain, or potentially regain, the market share once dominated by Isuzu-branded vehicles in Russia. While specific models have not been disclosed, the emphasis remains on rebuilding a local production ecosystem around the Ulyanovsk site, leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure, supplier networks, and regional logistics to deliver a steady stream of new vehicles to Russian buyers. The lack of precise model information at this stage reflects a strategic focus on timing and capacity utilization rather than prematurely locking in a particular product lineup before demand projections and supply agreements are fully aligned. This cautious approach highlights the company’s intent to optimize factory output and minimize downtime as the new line comes online.
Historically, Sollers has driven production at other facilities, including the ST6 pickup program based in Vladivostok. The ST6 model features a four-wheel drive system paired with a reduction gear and offers engines ranging from a 2.0-liter petrol delivering about 176 horsepower to a diesel option around 136 horsepower. The powertrain choices are paired with a six-speed manual transmission, reflecting a setup that appeals to customers seeking robust performance and practical off-road capability in the regional market. Pricing positions the gasoline variant at roughly 2.4 million rubles and the diesel variant at about 2.5 million rubles, illustrating a balance between performance and affordability within Russia’s competitive pickup segment. This also signals internal cost considerations and a pricing approach aimed at attracting a broad buyer base.
Beyond the domestic narrative, the broader automotive market in the region has seen strategic moves, including reports of GAC Hycan V09 minivans being introduced to Chinese customers. This context helps frame Sollers’ restart within a larger ecosystem of cross-border collaborations and transnational manufacturing ambitions, where regional production facilities serve as anchors for diversified portfolios. The emphasis on reviving production at a Russian site reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on external supply chains, a trend seen across several automakers operating within the country. The expected lineup from Sollers Comtrans will likely be weighed against these broader industry shifts as the company seeks to reestablish credibility with domestic consumers and regional distributors while navigating regulatory, economic, and competitive dynamics that shape the market’s trajectory. The strategic readjustment signals a commitment to sustaining operations domestically and preserving employment amid evolving industry conditions, with the Ulyanovsk facility positioned as a cornerstone of the post-Isuzu strategy and a gateway to renewed growth in Russia’s automotive sector.