Adil Shirinov, chair of Sollers’ board, outlined a clear direction for the Vladivostok facility as Mazda steps away from the partnership. The expectation is that the plant will continue its operations, shifting focus toward vehicles that align with new regional demand. Specifically, SUVs built on Chinese platforms are poised to fill the gap left by the departure of Japanese models, underscoring Sollers’ commitment to adaptive production in response to evolving market dynamics.
Shirinov emphasized that substantial discussions would unfold after the year turns. The priority, in his view, is to strengthen two critical segments where Sollers holds a distinctive edge: light commercial vehicles and full‑size sport utility vehicles. By doubling down on these categories, the company aims to consolidate its unique market position while expanding its manufacturing footprint in a way that resonates with buyers across Russia and neighboring markets.
Beyond model strategy, the executive highlighted the Vladivostok location as particularly advantageous for several reasons. First, the proximity to Chinese suppliers streamlines the supply chain, reducing lead times and enabling competitive pricing. Second, a broad demand base exists for new cars in multiple regions, making the site a logical hub for scalable production. In short, the plant’s geographic and logistical realities align with a broader push to diversify product lines and maintain robust output in a dynamic regional market.
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Source: Primamedia (Note: attribution retained for context; no external links are included in the article.)