Auto manufacturing to start in May at former Mercedes plant in Moscow Region - governor

KRASNOGORSK. April 18 (Interfax) - Manufacturing of Chinese cars at the former Mercedes plant in the Moscow Region's Yesipovo is set to launch in May this year, Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Thursday.

"Mercedes [former plant in the Moscow Region] will start operations in May, where new Chinese-made cars will be produced. In terms of quality, we are convinced that they are in no way inferior," Vorobyov said on Thursday on Rossiya 24 TV.

Vorobyov also said that Chinese investors plan to launch the production of auto parts in the Moscow Region this autumn, investing 2.5 billion rubles in the project.

As previously reported, several Chinese automakers were interested in manufacturing their cars at the former Mercedes plant in Yesipovo.

The Avtodom dealership group in April 2023 closed a deal to acquire the Russian assets of Mercedes-Benz, including the Moscow Auto Plant. The launch of production at the location has not been reported previously.

Avtodom is among Russia's largest holding companies for the sale and service of premium and luxury class automobiles, employing over 2,100 people. The group's portfolio includes brands such as Aito, Audi, Aurus, BMW, BMW Motorrad, BRP, Ducati, Exeed, GAC, Hongqi, Jaecoo, Jaguar, KTM, Lamborghini, Land Rover, LiXiang, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Omoda, Porsche, Volvo, and Zeekr.