It was a symbolic image that finally approved withdrawal of Renault from Russia. In May 2022, technicians dismantled the letters RENAULT from the facade of the Moscow plant “Avtoframos”. The French group ended almost 25 years of activity in the country, drawing a line under its second global market. Originally created as a joint venture with the Moscow City Hall, Avtoframos later became a local subsidiary of the French manufacturer. The Moscow plant was collecting in this way until 2022 ArcanaKaptur and Duster for the largest country in the world.

His partner Nissan, present in St. Petersburg, also entrusted him with the production of its Terrano 4X4. A redesigned Duster for the local market. But the adventure of Renault in Russia is also primarily Lada. After the first participation in 2012 Renault became the majority shareholder of the first Russian car manufacturer in 2018. Taking control of historical factories in Tolyatti and Izhevsk.

Western exits in favor of Chinese brands

The two factories assembled Renault Sanderos and Logans, as well as own Lada models created using the group’s technologies. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 raised doubts about the future of the French manufacturer in the country.with. Since then, most car brands have slammed the door (Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia, Toyota, Honda, Nissan…), and Renault has not been spared. The French manufacturer sold its assets to the Russian state. However, Lada benefits from the review clause until 2028.

These deviations benefited Chinese manufacturers. They gave themselves 40% of Russian registrations in the first two months of the year. Against 10% for the same period of 2022! In September, the state restored the defunct Soviet brand Moskvichwhich now adorns the Chinese JAC JS4 SUVs, assembled under license at the former Renault plant in Moscow. On his side; Today, Lada presents its first model after Renault: the X-Cross 5.

After Moskvich Lada of Chinese production

A novelty that isn’t really a novelty because it’s also just a a redesigned Chinese model. The Bestune T77, which is its organ bank, already dates back to 2018 and is distributed by Chinese state-owned group FAW (First Automobile Works). Positioned in the C segment, this 4.52m long SUV is only available with a petrol engine. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter unit with a capacity of 160 horsepower and a torque of 258 Nm. In addition to the radiator grille and logos adorning the rims, trunk and steering wheelthis Lada is strictly identical to its Chinese counterpart.

Its production will begin in the coming weeks the former Nissan plant in St. Petersburg. Lada will later expand its range with other models from China. According to estimates, by the end of 2023 Chinese car brands will make up 280,000 registration in country. By comparison, in 2021, the last “normal” year for the Russian car market, there were only 8,235.