The former Nissan plant in St. Petersburg has started producing cars in collaboration with a foreign partner. The brand in question is the new XCITE.
According to media reports, the company, now known as the "St. Petersburg Automobile Plant," has changed owners. There is no public information about the beneficiaries, likely to conceal AvtoVAZ's stake and avoid Western sanctions pressure.
Brand new crossovers are standing in the finished product area. They lack front grilles and logos. However, the Chery Tiggo 7 is easily recognizable in the cars. It is assumed that the stylish SUV will be the first model of the XCITE brand. This version is supported by the fact that Russian manufacturers have already learned how to rebadge Chinese cars.
Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, which were previously assembled at the plant, can also be seen here. Apparently, they were assembled from the remaining car kits in the warehouse.
It was previously reported that the general public would see the first XCITE model as early as the second half of February. Its sales may begin in the spring of 2024.