In a challenging economic situation in the Russian automotive market, "AGR Holding" has announced the launch of a new brand, Tenet, based at the former Volkswagen plant in Kaluga. The project partner is the Chinese state-owned company Defetoo, specializing in automotive technologies.
The holding's CEO, Alexey Kalitsev, revealed details of the cooperation, localization plans, and the strategy for bringing the cars to market. The agreement between "AGR Holding" and Defetoo involves not just assembly, but deep integration of technologies. Production will be phased: from large-node assembly to full cycle (CKD) with a high proportion of Russian components. A SPIC (Special Investment Contract) has already been concluded, which confirms the long-term obligations of the parties.
For now, I can only say that the agreement we signed in February involves a technological partnership. That is, the organization of production of "Tenet" cars on a high-tech modular platform, which will be integrated with a deeply localized component base that meets global automotive standards. We will organize this large and complex work in stages: from large-node to small-node assembly with a consistent increase in the level of localization.
Defetoo, as a technology partner, will provide access to a modular platform, as well as support in creating an R&D center and developing a local supply chain. This year, four models will be launched on the market, mainly crossovers and SUVs of different classes.
We face ambitious tasks, together with Defetoo, to form a long-term development strategy, implement a 20-year investment plan, which will allow Tenet cars to take a leading position in the market.
Despite the difficult market conditions, "AGR Holding" sees an opportunity in offering a deeply localized product adapted to Russian conditions. Kalitsev expressed confidence that the market may show growth in the second half of the year.
Any difficult time is also a period of opportunity. We will offer the market a deeply localized product that is created specifically for the Russian market, taking into account the conditions and features of operation. This will help us fight for decent sales results. Moreover, we expect that in the second half of the year the market will return to growth.
Production will begin in the summer of 2025, with the first cars appearing in the middle price category, which makes them potentially attractive to buyers with above-average incomes.
Read more on the topic:
День прошёл — «Победу» продают: в Саратовской области выставили два легендарных ГАЗ-М20
Dongfeng Mengshi MS600: мощный китайский пикап с двигателем Cummins выйдет на российский рынок
Завод АГР выпустил 30-тысячный автомобиль Solaris: темпы производства растут