The Russian brand Tenet has for the first time shown the operation of its plant in Kaluga. The company was launched on August 12, 2025, but journalists were granted access to the site only now.
The plant previously belonged to Volkswagen Group Rus: since 2007, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat were assembled there, and since 2009, a full production cycle with welding and painting of bodies was provided. After the sale of assets in 2023, AGR Holding, together with its Chinese partner Defetoo, modernized the lines and introduced production management systems.
Currently, the plant employs more than 4,000 people, producing cars based on Chery models under the Tenet brand.
The welding shop was reconstructed: automation reached 90%, more than 200 pre-production bodies were tested to control the geometry and rigidity of the structure. The paint shop was modernized taking into account the climatic conditions of Russia. The bodies are treated with cataphoretic primer using the RoDip method, heat treatment, sealing of seams, anti-corrosion coating of the bottom and hidden cavities.
Assembly is carried out on an updated line using automated systems and intelligent tools to reduce errors. Logistics are organized so that each part is delivered to the correct car.
The first production car produced on the updated assembly line was the Tenet T7 crossover. After that, the production of the compact crossover Tenet T4 and the seven-seater Tenet T8 was mastered.
The project demonstrates the possibility of using existing production facilities and introducing modern management and quality control technologies in the production of localized cars.