Author Vadim Antilikatorov Published Yesterday at 18:56
The PSMA Rus Kaluga plant (previously producing Peugeot, Citroen and Mitsubishi) began production of Citroen C5 Aircross crossovers. This project is being implemented by the Russian company Automotive Technologies in cooperation with an eastern partner.
The event is significant, since in the last two years no new car production facilities have appeared in Russia that are not associated with the assembly of Chinese brands or additional assembly from existing components, as happens, for example, with cars of the Korean brand Solasris in St. Petersburg. This time we are talking about a full-fledged European car, with a recognizable French logo in the form of an inverted double chevron, or as it is called a “Christmas tree”.
Although the partner will be the French-Chinese joint venture Dongfeng-PSA, which produces these crossovers, Russian buyers will receive a car that meets European quality standards. In addition to a recognizable brand, the choice of a “European” is due to the presence of all the necessary European certificates recognized in Russia. This allowed us to quickly set up production. Kaluga Citroens were also included in the list of cars recommended for purchase by civil servants for official trips.
Is this a sign of the comeback of European cars? After all, many European and American brands have joint ventures in China, and if they send us components for assembling Citroens, then maybe Chinese Mercedes are next in line?
— It all depends on the relations of Chinese enterprises with European partners. The same Citroen may turn a blind eye to supplies to Russia, or maybe after some time it will begin to put a spoke in the wheels of the Chinese. “Automotive Technologies” has plans to launch other models, he suggested in an interview with KP.RU editor-in-chief of the magazine “Behind the wheel” Maxim Kadakov.
If these plans are implemented within a year, then Citroen cannot or does not want to interfere. And the second option – after some time, China, under the influence of the French, will say – that’s it, we won’t supply you with any more components.
However, the future of such cooperation remains questionable. Perhaps this is just the first step, and in the future Chinese enterprises may change their component supply policy.
2024-03-30 20:15:00
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