Sollers accelerates crossovers production in Vladivostok as Mazda exits Russia
The Sollers company pursued a plan to begin assembly of a new crossover at its Vladivostok facility, initially targeting the second quarter of 2023. This development was reported by TASS, citing Zoya Kaiku, who serves as the company’s vice president. The anticipated move marked a notable milestone for Sollers as it expanded its manufacturing footprint in Russia and aimed to introduce a fresh model line into the local market.
According to Kaiku, the initial phase would see the production of passenger cars under a new brand at the Vladivostok site. The expectation was that the new vehicles would align with a mid-price segment, and early indications pointed to the possibility of leveraging a familiar platform, potentially derived from Mazda’s design and engineering lineup. This choice signaled Sollers’ strategy to capitalize on existing automotive architectures to accelerate the rollout of a new model family while maintaining competitive pricing for Russian buyers.
Kaiku also clarified that the forthcoming models were intended to fill the space previously occupied by Mazda’s popular CX-5 and CX-9 crossovers on the assembly line. The shift would represent a continuation of Mazda’s presence in the region, though under the auspices of Sollers, as production evolved to fit the company’s broader manufacturing and branding strategy. The transition pointed to a broader trend of localization and brand adaptation within Russia’s evolving automotive sector, as manufacturers sought to balance global partnerships with domestic operational needs.
The broader industry context at that time included Mazda Motor’s decision to leave Russia and divest its stake in Sollers PJSC. Reports from November outlined a notable exit, with Mazda’s stake sale valued at 1 euro. The move also carried a financial impact, with Mazda Motors losing an estimated 12 billion yen, equivalent to roughly 82 million US dollars, as part of exiting the Russian market. The joint venture Mazda Sollers Manufacturing Rus was known to have produced vehicles in SKD (semi-knocked-down) configuration since 2012, a practice that supported local assembly and adaptation to regional market requirements.
In parallel, Sollers had announced the launch of light commercial vehicles under its own brand, including the Atlant and Argo lines, manufactured at the Alabuga facility. This expansion demonstrated the company’s broader ambitions to diversify its product portfolio and strengthen domestic production capabilities beyond passenger cars. The Alabuga initiative reflected Sollers’ strategy to broaden its footprint in Russia’s automotive manufacturing landscape through a mix of passenger and commercial offerings.
As the Russian automotive sector continued to evolve, Sollers positioned itself to leverage existing partnerships while pursuing in-house branding and localization initiatives. The Vladivostok plant stood as a strategic asset, enabling closer proximity to regional markets and potential supply chain efficiencies. By aligning production with demand in the mid-price segment, the company aimed to deliver vehicles that resonated with Russian consumers seeking value without compromising on features or quality. The broader implications included potential job creation, skill development, and the reaffirmation of Russia as a significant manufacturing hub for a range of vehicle types.
Looking forward, the evolution of Sollers’ product lineup would likely hinge on several factors, including brand strategy, consumer preferences, and the regulatory environment. The company’s ability to maintain competitive pricing, ensure reliable supply chains, and sustain quality in domestic manufacturing would be critical to its ongoing success. The consolidation of model lines and the localization of production in Vladivostok and other facilities could help Sollers navigate the competitive landscape while continuing to serve the needs of customers across Russia and neighboring markets. This period underscored the importance of adaptable manufacturing strategies and the ongoing importance of partnerships in delivering modern crossovers and related vehicles to a broad audience.