Volkswagen Group has confirmed the divestment of its Russian assets, with Art-Finance LLC, linked to the Avilon dealer group, named as the new owner in the company’s official statement. The move marks a significant shift in the automaker’s regional footprint as it hands over control of its Russian operations to a buyer affiliated with established automotive distribution networks in the country, signaling a transition in leadership across its local activities.
The acquisition includes Volkswagen Group Rus LLC’s Kaluga production site along with the entire distribution and after-sales network, warehousing facilities, and financial services tied to the business. The deal also encompasses Volkswagen Components and Services and the Scania-related units, including Scania Leasing, Scania Finance, and Scania Insurance, reflecting a comprehensive transfer of both manufacturing and support services in the Russian market.
Volkswagen noted that the buyer acquired all shares of the Russian subsidiaries, and the transaction received approval from the Russian government, underscoring a formal nod to the strategic reshaping of Volkswagen’s presence in Russia during a period of extensive market realignment. This regulatory clearance follows a series of negotiations and compliance steps that accompany major corporate restructurings in the region, highlighting the careful coordination between the company and state authorities during the transition.
According to data from Interfax, the reported financial value of the deal stood at 10.5 billion rubles, a figure reflecting the scale of the assets being transferred and the importance of the Kaluga facility within Volkswagen’s Russian operations. The development comes amid prior reports of disputes involving other Russian automakers, including a separate claim by the GAZ plant in arbitration court proceedings, illustrating the broader context of legal and commercial activity impacting regional automotive manufacturing and ownership structures.
In the broader context, the shift of ownership signals both a continuing evolution of the Russian automotive sector and the ongoing recalibration of multinational manufacturing networks in response to market conditions and strategic priorities. Stakeholders in the industry will be watching to see how the new ownership arrangement influences production scheduling, dealer networks, and after-sales support across the Volkswagen and Scania brands within Russia. The transition emphasizes the importance of stable logistics, financing, and service infrastructure as companies navigate regulatory environments and market dynamics in the region, where partnerships with local entities can shape long-term competitive positioning and customer experience.