In 2026, the former Toyota plant in St. Petersburg will begin production of Aurus premium brand cars. The production will be organized in collaboration with a partner from a friendly country.
According to sources, the facility will assemble three models under the Senat brand — two sedans and an SUV. The Senat is already known as the base model of the Aurus line, which includes sedans, limousines, and armored versions.
Initially, the launch was planned for 2024. The St. Petersburg authorities then signed an agreement with Aurus at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov promised that the assembly line would be operational by the end of the year.
However, the deadlines shifted: it was not possible to reach an agreement with the Chinese Hongqi, which was considered as a production partner. Negotiations are ongoing, but their results are not disclosed.
The restart of the Toyota plant is important both from an industrial and a symbolic point of view. Russia is effectively maintaining capacity for the production of business and executive-class cars, despite the departure of Japanese and European concerns. For St. Petersburg, this means the return of jobs and tax revenues, and for Aurus, a chance to establish itself in the market as a national premium brand.