A Doctor of Technical Sciences and a professor from a leading Moscow technical university recently spoke about the future of Russia’s automotive industry in a televised discussion. The expert emphasized the need to design a car from the ground up and to bolster the country’s engineering traditions so that domestic innovations can compete on the world stage.
He added that it is essential to unite efforts and to learn from the best practices around the world, including those developed in China. Over the past two decades, Chinese automakers have rebuilt their industry and currently lead in several sectors of automotive development. Integrating those insights with Russia’s own capabilities could accelerate local progress and export potential.
Another key point raised concerns the shortage of qualified personnel within the Russian automotive sector. The speaker argued that compensation alone is not enough; true motivation comes from a sense of purpose. He drew a parallel with the postwar period when the economy was rebuilt rapidly and many sectors were created from scratch, driven by a shared vision of a brighter future for the next generations.
During the discussion, the issue of supply chain reliability was also addressed. Delays in payment terms with partners in China were cited as a challenge, while cooperation remained possible. It was noted that China, in contrast to some neighboring regions, has shown a pragmatic approach to collaboration, which could inform future partnerships and procurement strategies.
The head of a major carmaker in Russia spoke about the impact of component shortages on production. Because certain simple parts were unavailable in the necessary quantities, the plant had to reserve stock on site and later complete assemblies when missing components arrived. This experience underscored the importance of resilient supply chains and flexible manufacturing processes for sustaining output during shortages.
Overall, the discussion framed a path toward a more autonomous and mature national automotive organization. The emphasis remained on building a strong domestic engineering base, aligning production with strategic needs, and ensuring that Russia can compete by combining local talent with international best practices. The takeaway was clear: strategic unity, bold project leadership, and a long-term vision are essential for realizing substantial growth in the Russian auto sector, even as global markets evolve and new technologies emerge.