Haval and Solaris vie for admission to Russian taxis under new localization law

Russian automakers Haval and Solaris may be allowed to operate in taxi services after the new law on car localization comes into force.

A preliminary list of models that meet the requirements is scheduled to be published in the second half of September, according to sources at Kommersant newspaper. The final list should be approved in the fall and may include premium Voyah models such as Free and Dream, for which there are currently no localized analogues in the "business" and "elite" segments on the Russian market.

The list may include Lada, Moskvich, Evolute, Haval, Solaris and Sollers. To be allowed in taxis, a car must meet one of three conditions: have a sufficient level of localization (currently 3200 points), be produced under a special investment contract (SPIC) from 2022 to 2025, or be included in the SPIC with subsequent government permission to use it in taxis.

All Lada models meet the first criterion, Evolute electric vehicles meet the second, as well as the Moskvich model range. Haval and Solaris, according to preliminary data, may pass under the second or third criterion.

The Haval M6 is being produced at the PSMA Rus site in Kaluga using a full cycle since 2024 under a lease agreement. The possibility of including Haval in the list was also discussed at a meeting between Great Wall management and the Governor of the Tula Region.

Solaris is assembled at the former Hyundai plant in St. Petersburg, where Hyundai and Kia models continue to be produced, which also allows the brand to apply for admission to taxis.

Read more materials on the topic:

Taxi companies accelerate purchases of foreign cars due to the new law on car localization

Taxi prices will skyrocket?: Taxi drivers are seeking the adoption of a standard for automakers in Russia

State Duma adopted the law on taxi localization, adding a delay for Siberia