The "Moskvich" car factory is preparing to launch two new models - the M70 and M90 crossovers. They are assembled at the capital's enterprise along with the brand's already familiar models. However, the main feature of the new products is different: this time we are not talking about restyled JAC cars. They are based on cars of the British brand MG, which belongs to the Chinese concern SAIC.
This is a noticeable turn for "Moskvich". Previously, the plant actually relied on JAC platforms, and many models were perceived by the market as renamed Chinese cars. Now the company is trying to update the lineup and at the same time increase the brand's status.
The first new product will be the "Moskvich M70". The model is based on the MG HS crossover, which is sold in many markets around the world.
In terms of dimensions, the car belongs to the mid-size SUV class: its length is approximately 4.6 meters. Several options for power plants are being prepared for the Russian market - from a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine to a more powerful two-liter engine.
The transmission will also differ from the Chinese version. If the original model uses mechanics or a robotic gearbox, then a nine-speed automatic is being considered for the Russian market.
In terms of size and format, the M70 will be in the same segment as models such as Geely Atlas, Haval F7, Changan CS75 and a number of other popular crossovers.
The second new product will be the M90 crossover - a larger and more expensive car. Its prototype is the MG RX9, designed for seven passengers.
The length of the car reaches almost five meters, and the interior has three rows of seats. Under the hood, a two-liter turbo engine is expected, which in the Chinese version develops more than 240 horsepower.
Unlike the M70, the older model should receive all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
However, even large and more expensive crossovers do not guarantee success. The segment where the M90 is entering is already occupied by many models: from GAC GS8 and Exeed VX to Geely Monjaro and Jaecoo J8.
The competition is not only officially sold cars, but also cars that are imported through parallel imports.
The launch of the new line takes place against the background of rather modest sales results.
For example, the large "Moskvich-8" crossover, which appeared on the market earlier, sold only a few hundred cars last year. This is an extremely small figure for a mass-market brand.
Previously, the company's management stated that in order to reach break-even, the plant should produce about 40 thousand cars per year, but production has not yet reached these volumes.
The story with new models may also be related to the search for a more suitable partner. Previously, "Moskvich" relied on JAC platforms, but some of these cars were developed back in the late 2010s and today do not look the most modern.
The MG brand, on the contrary, is actively developing and sold in many European countries. Although the brand is historically British, since 2009 it has belonged to the Chinese state-owned concern SAIC - one of the largest automakers in the country.
MG is now considered one of the most prominent Chinese brands in the European market.
The launch of the M70 and M90 should update the "Moskvich" model range and try to attract a new audience - those buyers who are looking for larger and more equipped crossovers. In the meantime, the plant continues to look for its niche in the Russian car market.