Rumors that the Russian Toyota factory would start manufacturing the electric crossover E-Neva developed by the defense concern Almaz-Antey turned out to be more than just rumors. It was revealed today that Obukhovskiy Plant, which is part of Almaz-Antey, took over managing the former Toyota factory in Saint Petersburg.

Now, under the patronage of Almaz-Antey, Obukhovskiy Plant will handle all operational activities of the enterprise and will start car manufacturing there. It has already been decided which cars will be manufactured. The first is the BAZ-S36A11 truck developed by Obukhovskiy Plant itself. Its production will start in 2024. From 2026, it is planned to start manufacturing electric crossovers E-Neva developed by Almaz-Antey.

However, it is unlikely that the enterprise will be entirely monopolized by Almaz-Antey - the capacity is large, and it needs to be utilized. It is clear that neither BAZ-S36A11, nor E-Neva need to be produced in the tens of thousands per year for regular consumers. Possibly, the assembly of Chinese cars will be set up at the plant, as is already the case at the Russian Nissan and Renault factories.

Let’s recall that the state Joint Stock Company Almaz-Antey, which deals with the aerospace defense, is one of the largest enterprises of the defense industry complex, producing air defense systems, including the latest S-500 missile system.