Chinese automaker might build plant in Novosibirsk or Irkutsk regions - RAUIE

NOVOSIBIRSK. Nov 27 (Interfax) - A Chinese automaker is considering Novosibirsk and Irkutsk regions as possible locations for a plant, the chairman of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RAUIE), Vitaly Mankevich told Interfax.

"The construction of a Chinese automobile company's plant with [Russian state corporation] Rostec is now being discussed," he said on the sidelines of the GlobalSibExpo-China 2024 automobile transport, logistics and engineering forum in Novosibirsk on Wednesday.

Novosibirsk Region began to be considered as a location for the plant after Rostec head Sergei Chemezov visited China, but Irkutsk Region is an alternative option, Mankevich said.

Construction of the plant is expected to start in the second half of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, he said.

He also said the federal authorities and Russian businesses are interested in the construction of a hub to sell Chinese auto parts in Novosibirsk Region. "Various goods will be shipped to Russia, including through Mongolia," Mankevich said.

Chemezov said earlier that a major Chinese automaker might assist in building a new auto plant in Moscow Region or in Siberia. He did not provide details about the project.

The only Chinese automaker that is highly localized in Russia now is Great Wall, which manufactures Haval cars at its own plant in Tula Region under a special investment contract with Russia's Industry and Trade Ministry. The company recently announced plans to expand the plant's capacity from 150,000 to 200,000 vehicles per year.