DIY: there are more Russian-built cars
Production of several car models has started or will start soon in Russia. Izvestia investigated the prospects for new products and why so many seven—seat crossovers were needed.
The mysterious acquaintance
Tenet, a Russian brand with a mystical touch, showed its first model, the seven—seat crossover T8. There is little information about the technical side of the novelty yet, but if you focus on the Chinese counterpart, the length will be about 4.7 m. The AWD nameplate on the rear door hints that the crossover will receive an all-wheel drive version. It was especially noted that the T8 is well equipped with LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, a large panoramic roof, and a Japanese-made audio system. About 80% of the interior surface is finished with soft materials. The interior will be available in black in combination with gray or beige. The volume of the trunk with the second and third rows of seats folded reaches 1,930 liters. Sliding door handles must operate at a temperature of minus 30 degrees.
Serial production will be set up at the former Volkswagen plant in Kaluga. At the first stage, the brand's model range will include four crossovers: one B- and C-class model each, as well as two D-class SUVs.
Moskvich and others
A week earlier, Moskvich announced prices for its new seven-seat crossover with the index 8. The car was planned to be launched before the end of the year, but the start of production and sales was postponed several times. Moskvich 8, like Tenet, has an analog from a friendly country, but from a different manufacturer. It won't have all-wheel drive, just front-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 1.5—liter gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 174 hp (280 Nm) combined with a seven-speed robotic gearbox. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds. This is the largest model in the Moskvich line — 4825 mm with a wheelbase of 2830 mm. The new product has already begun to arrive at dealers, and prices are known — from 2.98 million to 3.37 million rubles.
Even earlier, at the Innoprom exhibition, the Russian brand Evolute showed its hybrid seven-seat crossover. More precisely, this is a major upgrade of the existing i-Space model. The crossover received an updated exterior design and a more modern interior. The equipment has also been improved. So, the front seats of the i-Space received electrical adjustments, the media system with a 15.6-inch screen supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto, the suspension received electronic adjustment of the stiffness of the shock absorbers. For the first time, the crossover will be available not only in a seven-seat cabin layout, but also in a five-seat one. The car has also changed technically. The power of the electric motor has been increased from 177 to 218 hp, and the power reserve on electric power has increased by more than 35% thanks to a new capacious battery. With electricity, the crossover is promised to be able to travel 165 km, and the total claimed power reserve is 1,250 km.
Production of the novelty with welding and painting at the plant in the Lipetsk region will begin in the third quarter. Later, two new models will be added to the hybrid — i-Joy and i-Sky. Taking into account localization requirements, they should be released in the first quarter of next year, Andrey Reznikov, managing partner of the manufacturing company Evolute and Voyah, told Izvestia. He said that by this date, welding and painting of Voyah and Evolute will be carried out in the Russian Federation. Moreover, the paint will be Russian.
The Automotive Technologies plant in the Kaluga Region, which previously built the Citroen C5 Aircross, has begun production of the Haval M6 full-cycle crossover. This is the most "age-related" novelty localized this year, based on the 2011 model.
Sedans will show class
Not all automakers enter the popular crossover segment. AvtoVAZ has launched a new Lada Iskra family in its traditional budget B-class. Iskra has a special place in the Russian market. Firstly, it costs up to 2 million rubles, which is now a rarity. Secondly, it is available not only as a sedan, but also as a station wagon (including the Cross off-road version).
Iskra can choose from either an 8-valve 1.6-liter (90 hp) engine in combination with a five-speed manual transmission or a 16-valve 106-horsepower unit of the same volume with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. Izvestia was one of the first to test the new Lada.
Voyah, in turn, is exploring the segment of large premium sedans. At Innoprom, the brand presented a hybrid version of the Passion EVR sedan, which is also planned to be released in the Lipetsk region as early as August. Such a car with a length of more than 5 m is equipped with an all-wheel drive system of two electric motors (394 hp; 590 Nm) and a one-and-a-half-liter gasoline engine (129 hp), which charges a traction battery with a capacity of 43 kWh. This is a very fast car — the acceleration time to "hundreds" is 5.9 s. The total power reserve for the WLTP cycle is 1 thousand km, and on "pure" electricity — 200 km.
The sedan is equipped with adaptive air suspension and variable stiffness shock absorbers. The list of options includes three displays on the front panel, front and rear seats with massage and ventilation, as well as a two-section panoramic roof with an area of 2.18 square meters. m and dual-zone climate control. Interestingly, the hybrid version reverted to physical buttons instead of the touch buttons that the electric Passion was equipped with.
Voyah representatives noted that the Free and Dream models localized in Russia are included in the register of cars recommended for public procurement. The Passion EVR sedan is also planned to be included in this registry in the future. The new product has only one direct competitor so far — Exlantix ES.
The price of the Passion EVR will be 4.67 million rubles, including state support in the amount of 925 thousand rubles when buying on credit or leasing.
Andrey Reznikov told about the advantages of Voyah production in Russia:
— First of all, this is a different pricing for cars manufactured according to SPIC and direct imports, it varies significantly. It is clear that the first step is welding, painting, and assembly. Then there are the critical components that each automotive segment has its own. They have different incentives. Secondly, in addition to tariffs, there is a support program. If in 2024 any electric cars could drive for free on the highways, now only Russian-made ones.
First a minivan, and then an SUV
Sollers launched mass production of the full-cycle technology of the SP7 minivan at the Yelabuga plant at the same time as the presentation in Yekaterinburg.
The car is equipped with a gasoline engine (2 liters, 237 hp) in combination with an eight-speed automatic. The start of sales is scheduled for the fall of this year. The minivan will be offered in seven- and four-seater versions.
Adil Shirinov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sollers, said that the production of the SP7 involves not just a full cycle with welding, painting and assembly, but a phased deepening of localization, including the power unit and safety components, body parts and electronics, interior and exterior elements.
By the end of the year, Sollers plans to complete the development of a new SUV based on a pickup truck, which is already being produced in Russia. The car is being developed together with Chinese partners. The installation of welding equipment and an updated conveyor for the production of a new SUV at the Ulyanovsk production site has already been completed.
"Have you taken care of the Russian assembly now"
— The assembly in Russia makes it possible to receive a benefit for the recycling fee. The company signs the SPIC. And within its framework, there is a product localization calendar. Due to the implementation of this calendarization, recycling benefits are obtained. This leads to the fact that companies receive a more competitive cost of goods in relation to imported cars. As a result, the car becomes cheaper. For this reason, all Chinese—made brands have taken care of the Russian assembly now," Nikolai Ivanov, director of Rolf's new car department, told Izvestia.
Do they have a future
The experts interviewed by Izvestia assess the prospects of new products in different ways, highlighting Iskra as a potential bestseller.
— The market is acutely aware of the shortage of affordable family cars after the departure of key players offering minivans and large crossovers. Families, summer residents, and those who need to transport both people and cargo are the target audience," said Irina Frank, CEO of Frank.
The Sollers minivan, focused on commercial needs and large families, has a chance to occupy the vacant niche after the departure of European models, she believes.
— The key to Iskra's success lies in its clear positioning: It should be significantly fresher than Granta in terms of design, safety and equipment, but at the same time maintain a price advantage over Vesta NG," said Irina Frank.
The prospects of the Haval M6, in her opinion, look rather limited in the long term.
— Now the M6 is supported by brand recognition, localization of production and a relatively affordable price for a crossover. However, the main problem is the obsolescence of the platform and design against the background of the active offensive of both Haval's own new products and the latest models of competitors: Changan, Chery, Omoda, — says Irina Frank.
Ilya Petrov, Director of Retail Sales at Avilon AG, believes that the sedan market is shrinking by several percentage points annually, and hybrid versions will be sold in single copies per dealer.
Nikolai Ivanov believes that Voyah Passion definitely has a chance of success, including in the fleet segment.
— Tenet has prospects. As these cars become available, similar Chery models will probably leave the market," said Maxim Kadakov, editor—in-chief of Za Rulem.
The release of cars under a new Russian brand is a way to avoid possible sanctions, says Igor Morzharetto, partner at Autostat.
A company that launches a new car brand in Russia needs to be prepared for fierce marketing and price competition with established brands, Ilya Petrov notes. According to him, it is important to ensure brand awareness, as well as a high level of service support at the start of sales, so that the first customers do not face a shortage of spare parts and are not disappointed.
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