Sollers plans to start producing crossovers at its Vladivostok facility in the second quarter of 2023, signaling a strategic shift toward expanding its manufacturing footprint in the Far East. Zoya Kaika, the deputy head of the company, outlined a roadmap that centers on launching a new brand with local production initiatives that align with Sollers’ broader growth agenda. The plan emphasizes creating a steady pipeline of new vehicles in a segment that resonates with regional demand and mid-range pricing power, setting the stage for a more diversified product portfolio in Russia and neighboring markets.
The production of the new vehicles is framed as a step to fill the void left by models previously associated with Mazda, including the CX-5 and CX-9. The expectation is to establish a line that mirrors a familiar, dependable design language while introducing contemporary features and improved efficiency. By positioning these cars as passenger-oriented crossovers, the company signals a confident entry into a market segment that values practicality, comfort, and everyday usability in family and commuter segments alike.
Kaika further explained that the forthcoming models will be produced under license and will bear a brand name that is not domestically linked to Russia. Sollers intends to retain majority control of the operations while leveraging external partnerships to access established engineering, quality assurance practices, and supply chain networks. This approach aims to blend local manufacturing capabilities with the strengths of an international brand strategy, potentially speeding time to market and ensuring consistency with global standards.
From a production perspective, the project is described as a contouring initiative in the Russian industry landscape. In practice, this means delivering services that support the organization of manufacturing processes within the country. Distribution arrangements are planned to be non-domestic, reflecting a strategy to reach a broad distribution network outside Russia while maintaining strong regional support and service capabilities for customers in the region.
At present there remains a level of ambiguity surrounding several operational details. The manufacturer has stated that this information is what it deemed appropriate to disclose publicly, leaving room for updates as the project progresses. Stakeholders and industry observers will be watching closely to understand how the licensing model, brand strategy, and regional production plans unfold in the coming quarters, especially in the context of evolving market dynamics and regulatory considerations.
Source: TASPhoto: Yuri Smityuk/TASS, Depositphotos. This coverage reflects initial announcements about the Vladivostok plant’s planned activities and the broader strategy to expand Sollers’ footprint in the crossover segment and related markets, as reported by industry news agencies and captured imagery from the cited photographers.