Isuzu, the Japanese automotive brand, has exited the Russian market. The company transferred its Russian subsidiary shares to Sollers, according to reports from Kyodo. The move included handing over the local factory, a facility that employed about two hundred people. The decision signals a clear retreat from Russia, with indications that production and sales are unlikely to resume in the near term.
Russian officials in the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced on March 13 that twelve foreign brands are now listed in the parallel imports category. Among the entities connected to this development are Renault, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Hyundai, Genesis, Dacia, Citroen, Opel, Peugeot, and Isuzu, highlighting the broad impact on the market for imported vehicles and parts. The list reflects ongoing adjustments in import strategies and brand participation within the Russian automotive sector.
Earlier, in November of the prior year, a spokesperson for Isuzu stated that the company was exploring opportunities to disengage from Russia. It was noted that production at the Isuzu plant in Ulyanovsk had already been suspended since March 2022, underscoring a phased approach to winding down operations amid shifting economic and regulatory conditions. This trajectory aligns with a wider pattern of automakers reassessing presence in the Russian market during a period of turbulent trade dynamics and sanctions. [Source: Kyodo]
There was also a separate development involving the Lada Sport lineup, which was shown in a dedicated showroom space to illustrate domestic offerings alongside imported models. This arrangement reflected the evolving balance between local manufacturing and international brands within Russia’s automotive retail landscape. The changes illustrate how brands renegotiate their portfolios in response to market access, production costs, and regulatory environments. [Source: Industry reports]