Русский
The ex-Volkswagen auto-manufacturing plant at Kaluga is launching auto manufacturing of cars under Russia’s Tenet brand, according to regional governor Vladislav Shapsha. Volkswagen exited the Russian market in 2023, selling the business to their Russian dealership, Avilon, who paid an estimated US$135 million for VW’s Russian business. Volkswagen reportedly invested more than US$800 million to build the Kaluga plant.
Avilon subsidiary AGR Holding LLC and China’s Defetoo, have signed a joint venture technological partnership to manufacture Tenet branded cars. Defetoo are part of China’s Chery auto manufacturer. The Tenet vehicles will be reworked, Russian versions of the Chinese brand.
Shapsha said that “Preparations for the launch of production are underway. There is much systematic work ahead with a consistent increase in the level of localization, from large-unit assembly to full-cycle production. There are plans to launch the serial production of cars in the second quarter of 2025.”
These include preparations for transitioning to full-cycle production, including welding and painting operations, alongside large-unit assembly. There are plans to launch of small-unit assembly in the third quarter this year. The Kaluga Automobile Plant has manufacturing capacity of 225,000 cars per year.
Further Reading
China’s Chery Auto Manufacturer Now The Largest Foreign Company In Russia By Revenue
