Ex-Volkswagen plant in Kaluga to launch production of four models

The former Volkswagen plant in Kaluga will begin mass production of Tenet cars in 2025, with sales of the first model starting in the second quarter. It is planned to start small-scale assembly of the machines in the middle of summer. This was announced by representatives of AGR Holding and Defetoo companies at the Shanghai International Motor Show, the Izvestia correspondent reports on April 23.

The Tenet brand was created specifically for the Russian market. In 2025, the brand's lineup will include four crossovers: one B- and C-class model each, as well as two D-class SUVs.

"We plan to be represented in 90 cities of Russia and expect that the number of dealerships will exceed 200 units. Let's focus on cars in the most popular body type in Russia – the SUV. We plan to bring four models to the market, it will be both a compact crossover and full-size all—wheel-drive crossovers of the D-class," said Ilya Perminov, operating director of the Tenet brand.

In the summer, the Kaluga plant should begin assembling Tenet machines in a full cycle, all workshops of the site will be involved. The maximum production capacity will be 200 thousand cars per year. Despite the shutdown of the enterprise, the plant managed to maintain a professional team, the company noted.

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Defetoo is a Chinese state—owned holding company that was established with the support of the Chinese city of Wuhu (Anhui Province). The majority shareholder is the Committee for the Development of the CCS Economic and Technological Zone (48.85%). AGR Holding has a former Volkswagen plant in Kaluga and an ex-Hyundai plant in St. Petersburg, where Solaris cars are currently being manufactured.

At a press conference, representatives of the companies stated that the investment plan is designed for a 20-year period. Within the framework of joint cooperation, Defetoo is responsible for marketing, sales, technology and information solutions, AGR is engaged in production, relations with government agencies and localization of obligations under the Special Investment contract (SPIC).

From 2025 to 2030, AGR Holding and Defetoo plan to establish an R&D center.