Which car brands exited Russia in 2022?
Ford transferred its 49 percent stake in the Transit plant to Sollers, its joint venture partner. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, with only the buyback option within five years publicly known.
Mazda also shared a joint venture with Sollers in Vladivostok. The Japanese company sold its 50 percent share for a symbolic euro. The Russian side quickly announced that the plant would start producing a different brand in 2023. The Mazda representative office remains, but it is no longer involved in car deliveries. Some Mazda dealers began privately importing Chinese-assembled vehicles such as the 6s and CX-4 crossovers.
Mercedes-Benz divested all assets to the Avtodom dealership, including a factory in the Moscow region, an office, and a dedicated dealer center in Moscow. Even before the 2022 crisis, Avtodom had signaled plans to launch production, and today it has the capacity, though concrete plans have not been announced.
Isuzu reportedly is evaluating options. That phrasing signals that discussions are underway about the plant’s future. Like other brands, Isuzu does not have permission to resume operations at the Ulyanovsk facility or to resume car deliveries.
Newcomers to the Russian market
Two new brands have appeared, both Chinese. Skywell is one, with the ET5 model described in detail in this issue. The second entrant is Tank from the Great Wall Motor family, which focuses on SUVs rather than crossovers like Haval. In total, five Tank models have been announced, though so far only two have reached serial production in China—Tank 300 and Tank 500. Aiming to bring these models to Russia, the companies indicated that they would be showcased later this year.
Tank 300
Tank 300 sits just a bit larger than the Dargo and resembles its overall design. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 220 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Tank 500 is positioned as a rival to the Land Cruiser 300 and runs on a supercharged six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine delivering around 299 horsepower, with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Previous industry discussions in RFQ No. 9, 2022, covered the Tank series. The vehicles are supplied from China.
Industry demands around tire supply
In the absence of stable supply chains, public order and essential services could be at risk. The tire shortage threatens everyday mobility for many people.
Together with a popular movement, the campaign raises funds to purchase tires for the People’s Police and the operational services of the LPR and DPR. The effort also covers ambulances, emergency services vehicles, humanitarian aid transports to Donbass residents, and military equipment. Contributions may be made on the collection page for those who wish to support the cause.
Attribution: This summary reflects industry reporting from multiple sources and the ongoing situation in the market. For a broader context on brands’ strategic moves and market presence in Russia, consult regional automotive analyses and company disclosures as they become available. (Sources: automotive industry briefings; market observers in North America and Europe.)