Sollers plans to broaden its vehicle lineup under its own badge by introducing the RF8 minivan and the M3 van in 2025, as reported by Vedomosti with reference to internal materials. The announcement signals a deliberate move to expand the brand’s footprint in the passenger- and family-vehicle segment, leveraging existing partnerships and manufacturing know‑how. The information underscores Sollers’ strategy to strengthen its domestic production ecosystem while aligning with broader market trends in multipurpose vehicles.
The production timetable calls for the assembly of the minibus to begin by the end of 2024, with the minivan set to join the lineup in 2025. In the Chinese market, the closest equivalents are the JAC M3, a versatile minibus, and the JAC Refine RF8, the corresponding minivan. For the Sollers-branded minivan, the simplest configuration was chosen — a 2.0-liter engine delivering 224 horsepower paired with an automatic transmission. The vehicle spans 5.8 meters in length and is designed to seat seven occupants across three rows, balancing interior space with overall usability for families and small fleets.
Sollers has operated for some time on a JAC-based commercial equipment platform under its own brand, a practice that began in late 2022. Subsequently, the company expanded production to Atlant and Argo models, signaling a broader push into branded, self-contained product lines that leverage established supplier relationships and assembly capabilities. This progression reflects a careful layering of brand identity on top of proven commercial platforms, aimed at delivering coherent quattro-brand performance in the domestic market.
Industry observers note the potential implications for fleet operations and consumer transport, including the safety considerations that arise when following heavy vehicles at close distances. Experts often highlight the risks associated with tailgating and the importance of adequate stopping distance, especially in mixed-traffic environments. The rollout of new branded vehicles may also spur renewed attention to driver training, vehicle maintenance, and lifecycle planning for corporate and private users alike.
Taken together, the plan to introduce the RF8 minivan and M3 van marks a pivotal step in Sollers’ ongoing expansion strategy. By leveraging JAC-based engineering and adapting it to the Sollers branding, the company aims to offer versatile, practical options for seven-seat flexibility, commercial utility, and everyday family use. The shift also hints at broader supply-chain and production efficiencies that could influence future product cadence and regional distribution, though the immediate focus remains on the announced models and the timing outlined in company materials. This information is based on Vedomosti reports, which cite internal Sollers materials as the source of the plan.