Five automotive brands made headlines in Russia in 2025, combining stronger sales, deeper localisation and a wave of new or refreshed models that appealed to both private buyers and fleet customers. Manufacturers from domestic incumbents to rebranded foreign names expanded line-ups, rolled out region-specific upgrades and strengthened aftersales networks to meet demand across varied Russian climates.
Russian automotive brands 2025: who stood out
Solaris continued to build momentum. Produced at the Saint Petersburg plant since February 2024, the range now includes Solaris HC (previously Hyundai Creta), Solaris HS (Hyundai Solaris), Solaris KRS (Kia Rio) and Solaris KRX (Kia Rio X-Line). High localisation levels helped three models qualify for a subsidised car-loan programme during the summer. Solaris also launched a telematics ecosystem, Solaris Digital Car, allowing owners to lock and unlock doors, remote-start automatic transmissions, activate lights and horns, monitor fuel and battery status, track location and book servicing. By December 2025 Solaris had 31,424 new registrations in Russia for the first 11 months of the year, underscoring steady consumer uptake.
Tenet, a Russian marque created in February 2025 by the AGR holding and China’s Defetoo, posted rapid volume growth. By August 2025 the company reported 30,000 vehicles sold. AGR’s Kaluga plant now runs full-cycle production—welding, painting and assembly—of three models, T4, T7 and T8. The models have been adapted for Russian conditions with extra corrosion protection, multilayer paint up to 130 microns and optional all-wheel drive. A comprehensive winter package is offered across the range. The brand’s dealer network reached 209 centres in 95 cities, improving service access nationwide.
KGM, the Korean brand formerly known as SsangYong, returned to the Russian market in early 2025 with four models: Tivoli, Korando, Torres and the Rexton. Initial prices were considered high by buyers, but sales recovered during the year. By November 2025 more than 1,000 KGM Torres crossovers had been sold in Russia, while the compact Korando accounted for roughly half of the brand’s volumes. The company opened 16 new dealer centres in the third quarter, bringing its presence to 45 centres, with plans for larger-scale assembly at Avtotor in Kaliningrad postponed to 2026. For now vehicles are imported from South Korea.
AvtoVAZ focused on refreshing its core Lada range. The Lada Iskra officially went on sale on 20 July 2025, occupying the gap between the Granta and Vesta models. Built on a localised CMF-B LS platform, the Iskra debuted in three body styles—sedan, estate and cross-estate—with two 1.6-litre engines and manual or continuously variable transmissions. The Niva Travel received mechanical and lighting upgrades, and prototypes of a modernised Niva Legend with a 1.8-litre engine appeared in autumn; mass production is due in spring 2026. AvtoVAZ has also begun test assembly of the Vesta-based Lada Azimut, with serial output expected in summer 2026.
Moskvich expanded its model range at the end of 2025 with two new crossovers, the M70 and M90, built on a different platform from the brand’s JAC-derived line-up. The M70 targets the mid-size segment with front-wheel drive, while the seven-seat M90 uses all-wheel drive and a 2+3+2 layout as a flagship offering. Both models completed local certification and testing, with sales planned for March 2026. Moskvich will continue to produce existing JAC- and SAIC-based models alongside the new family.
Together these moves show how localisation, tailored equipment for harsh winters and expanding dealer networks helped manufacturers convert product updates into tangible market gains in 2025. As production ramps and new models reach showrooms in 2026, the Russian market looks set for further consolidation among brands that combine local adaptation with competitive pricing and service coverage.
Key Takeaways:
- Russian automotive brands 2025 showed notable growth in sales, localisation and model expansion.
- Solaris and Tenet drove volume with telematics and full-cycle production; Solaris registered 31,424 registrations in 11 months.
- KGM and Moskvich expanded model ranges and dealer networks while AvtoVAZ launched Lada Iskra and upgraded Niva models.
- Manufacturing localisation, winter packages and expanded dealer networks underpinned market gains.
