Sollers to invest 4 bln rubles in 2025 in launching body-on-frame SUV, sales to start in 2026

MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - Russian automaker Sollers plans to invest more than 4 billion rubles this year in launching production of a seven-seat body-on-frame SUV based on China's JAC T9 under the Sollers brand, with sales of the new model scheduled to start in 2026.

The group is working hard on preparing an industrial facility in Ulyanovsk to launch production of the new SUV, the general director of Sollers Product Development Center LLC, Mikhail Guryanov said in an interview for the Sollers community on social network VKontakte.

"In 2025 we will invest more than 4 billion rubles in launching this project. We expect the first automobiles to go on sale at the beginning of 2026," Guryanov said.

The styling of the vehicle has been finally detailed and its interior has been adapted to Russian customers, he said.

"The automobile went through a series of virtual inspections, both design and technological, based on a mathematical model. The automobile itself was initially developed for operation in the road and climatic conditions and specifics of our country. The engine and drivetrain are calibrated for using our fuel and lubricants," Guryanov said.

Sollers announced plans to expand its portfolio with a body-on-frame SUV at its Sollers Product Day last November, when it said production would begin in 2025.

"Very soon we will put an absolutely new full-sized body-on-frame SUV on the market under the Sollers brand. This vehicle has been developed specially for the Russian market by our development center together with our technology partner. The vehicle is in the final stage," sales director Marat Sharapov said at the time.

It was reported that the four-wheel-drive seven-seat SUV will be available with a 200 hp two-liter gasoline turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.