2023-10-20 18:27:28
The Russian government today published a list of domestically produced cars that state officials must buy. All are either Russian or Chinese-made, underscoring Beijing’s penetration of the Russian auto industry after the war in Ukraine.
Chinese automakers have gained market share after producers such as Renault and Nissan pulled out of Russia.
Kommersant newspaper reported this year that the Kremlin has told officials involved in preparations for Russia’s 2024 presidential election to stop using Apple iPhones because of concerns that the devices could be vulnerable to Western intelligence. .
Today, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that the list of cars consists of those recommended as a matter of priority for use by state and municipal employees for official purposes, by order of President Vladimir Putin.
“To date, domestic automakers have already produced a wide range of models with various technical characteristics and equipment (six brands and more than 20 models) that are able to meet the needs of various levels of employees,” the ministry said in a statement.
All automakers have committed to boost domestic production under special investment agreements with the government, the statement added.
The Russian cars listed are five Lada models, produced by Russia’s largest carmaker Avtovaz, as well as the UAZ, Aurus and Moskvich brands and the Evolute electric cars.
The Moskvich, a reborn Soviet-era car, is emblematic of China’s growing influence on the Russian auto industry. Sources told Reuters that the Moskvich 3 model is a Chinese JAC Sehol X4 assembled in Moscow using kits bought from a Chinese partner.
Five models of the Chinese automaker Haval, which has been producing cars at its plant in the Tula region, 200 kilometers from Moscow, since 2019, are included in the list.
Source: RES-MPE
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