AvtoVAZ may begin assembling Changan vehicles, according to insiders. A Changan UNI-V sedan was spotted on the grounds of AvtoVAZ's Scientific and Technical Center.
Insiders explain that new cars traditionally appear at AvtoVAZ's Engineering Center for testing before being launched into production. For example, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro,before it began to be assembled at the former Nissan plant in St. Petersburg under the Xcite brand, visited AvtoVAZ. Now, the Changan UNI-V sedan is undergoing testing, which may indicate preparations for the launch of a new project.
According to reports, AvtoVAZ plans to add a C-class sedan to its model range. Without a license or joint production with another automaker, this would be difficult to achieve, insiders believe. They suggest that all signs may point to the possibility of a new project with a Chinese partner.
The Changan UNI-V is a mid-size sedan with a modern design and dimensions of 4680 x 1838 x 1430 mm. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 181 hp and a 7-speed transmission. Localizing production in Russia would make it more affordable for buyers.
It is worth recalling that the project to assemble Xcite crossovers at the "Avtozavod St. Petersburg"was closed, and the remaining cars are being sold off with significant discounts. It was also not possible to establish production of FAW Bestune crossovers under the name Lada X-Cross 5.
Read more on the topic:
Russians proved to be more loyal to Changan cars than to our brands
The XCITE project is completely closed
Chinese FAW decided not to cooperate with AvtoVAZ on the production of Lada X-Cross 5
