Plans to launch production of Hongqi cars under the Aurus Senat brand at the former Toyota plant in Russia are being postponed. According to the Telegram channel "Russian Automobile," there are no specific deadlines yet: the Chinese side has suspended the project and is not providing new guidelines. Previously, the deadline was the end of 2026, but now any dates have disappeared from the public domain.
Nevertheless, the company continues to operate, although not at full capacity. The plant is engaged in test painting of parts for Aurus Senat cars — moldings, bumpers, and other elements. According to sources, the process was initially accompanied by a large number of defects, but now almost all Aurus body colors have been mastered.
There is little economic effect from this activity: parts are transported along the route "Yelabuga — Shushary — Yelabuga," which eats up potential profits. The main goal of the plant's work now is to retain personnel and maintain equipment in working order. This is a kind of insurance for Aurus, to which Sollers supplies bodies and individual parts irregularly. In case of urgent need, parts are delivered from St. Petersburg.
According to experts, the uncertainty with the launch of Hongqi production is due to a "pause in relations" between the parties, as well as the general situation on the market. So far, there is no real project for the plant, and therefore the restoration of full-scale production is postponed indefinitely.