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Avtotor

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Avtotor
TypePublic company
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1996 (1996)
FoundersVladimir Alekseyevich Scherbakov
Headquarters
Kaliningrad
,
Russia
ProductsCars
Revenue$689 million[1] (2017)
208,000,000,000 Russian ruble Edit this on Wikidata
Number of employees
2,100[2] (2015)
Websiteavtotor.ru

Avtotor (Russian: Автотор) is a automobile manufacturing company located in Kaliningrad, in the semi-exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia. Established in 1996, the company operates as a contract assembler for a number of automobile manufacturers. The name of the company is a portmanteau of "auto" with the German word "tor", meaning "gate". As a result, the branding of the company reflects the brick gates of the city, and the cities status as a gateway between Russia and Europe.

In 2025, Avtotor produced more than 33,500 vehicles.[3][4][5] The company produces vehicles predominantly from Chinese manufacturers such as BAIC, SWM, Rox Motor, GWM and Deepal as well as its own Amberavto, Ambertruck and Eonyx brands.[6] The plant formerly partnered with firms including BMW, Kia, Hyundai, General Motors, Kaiyi and Forthing.[6] In 2026, the company reported that it was further developing the production of electric and hybrid vehicles, expecting to produce up to 10,000 of the type by the end of the year.

The production of European and Korean vehicles was suspended in 2022 due to international sanctions as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian war.[7] The production of unlicensed BMW vehicles reportedly continued at a limited rate, using remaining components.[8][9]

History

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Avtotor was founded in 1996 by a group of investors led by then majority owner and chairman of the board of directors, Vladimir Alekseyevich Scherbakov (1950 or 1961–2017),[10][11] a former Deputy Prime Minister of the USSR and Chairman of the State Committee for Labour and Social Problems.[10]

With an investment of $130,000,000, an assembly plant was installed in an unoccupied shipyard in Kaliningrad, with an original plan to produce Nissan automobiles. The name of the company is a portmanteau of “auto” and the German word “Tor”, meaning “gate”. In 1997, the plant also began assembling Kia automobiles.[12]

In the aftermath of the 1998 Russian financial crisis and the ensuing decline in automobile sales, the company found itself in a difficult financial position. To mitigate the consequences of the crisis, Avtotor changed its business model and secured a contract with BMW Automotive to become a licensed importer for the German automaker.[13] The company later began a partnership with General Motors, starting full-scale assembly of the Chevrolet Lacetti.

According to Bild, Avtotor resumed assembling BMW X5, X6 and X7 sport utility vehicles earlier this year using stocks of components left over from 2022, when BMW halted its Russian operations after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A BMW spokesperson told Ukrainian media outlet United24 that the production was being carried out on an irregular basis. The company said vehicles assembled since 2022 have not undergone BMW's quality control procedures or certification.

German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport reported that registrations of Russian-built BMW vehicles in Russia nearly tripled in 2025 compared with the previous year.

The publication said the newly assembled vehicles differ from their 2022 counterparts, including smaller air intakes. As stocks of original BMW components have dwindled, Avtotor has increasingly relied on locally produced parts such as hoses, body components and wiring harnesses.

The vehicles are also no longer connected to BMW's official digital systems, meaning some functions are unavailable, the report said. [14]

Production

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Current

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GWM Tank 300

Past models

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BAIC

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BMW

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BMW 3 Series (E46)
BMW 5 Series (F10)
BMW X5 (G05)

Forthing

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Hummer

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Hummer H3

Kaiyi

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SWM

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Cooperations

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Dongfeng Motor Corporation

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In September 2022, the company began the production of the commercial vehicle Dongfeng truck, with a capacity up to 3.5 tonnes, and in 2023, of the trucks Dongfeng HD-170 and HD-120.[33] In March 2023, the company started the assembly of the Dongfeng van, and in July 2023, of Dongfeng Passenger car.[34] In October 2024, the Dongfeng Bus was added to the line-up.[35]

Jiangling Motors

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JMC was the initial licensor for Avtotor's manufacturing, and the plant has produced more than 240,000 vehicles for JMC.[36]

Among the models produced at Kaliningrad are JMC Trucks[36]

In February 2024, Avtotor started production on the Amberavto A5.[37]

NAC

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In June 2005, Avtovar collaborated with NAVECO, part of the Nanjing Automobile Corporation, to produce Avtotor-Trucks starting with the Yuejin line up, a broad range of low-bed delivery trucks with a payload of 0.8 tonnes to 24 tonnes. [citation needed]

Former cooperations

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BMW

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BMW X6

Production of BMW vehicles began in August 1999 with the BMW 5 Series (E39) and 7 Series.[38] In the first year, Avtotor produced 555 cars.[citation needed] In March 2001, the factory began producing the BMW 3 Series (E46),[38] and later, the new 5 Series (E60).[39]

In July 2009, Avtotor increased the capacity of the plant and began production of the crossovers BMW X5 and X6.[39] At the end of May 2010, the company announced the start of assembly on the new BMW 5 Series (F10) for the Russian market[40] from kits received from Germany.

The BMW line-up produced in Kaliningrad has expanded over time with the following models: E65/66 (7 Series), F01/F02 (7 Series), E90 (3 Series), E70 (X5), E71 (X6), E83 (X3) and E84 (X1).[38][41]

In May 2015, BMW released a statement postponing the decision to invest in another plant in Russia due to economic uncertainty in the country.[42] There have been rumors in the media about the quality of Russian made BMWs.[43] These vehicles also did not have factory and manufacturer warranties, unlike their German-made counterparts.[44]

Chery Automobile

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Chery car assembly in the Kaliningrad factory began in 2006. Chery car sales began in Russia in May 2006.[45]

In the first six months of 2007, 18,558 vehicles were sold (of which Amulet - 10,119, Tiggo - 4,986, Fora - 2,596, QQ - 825, Oriental Son - 32), allowing Chery to take 12th place in the overall ranking in terms of sales in Russia. In 2007, in Russia, it sold 37,120 Chery cars. The factory produced 40,000 Chery cars that same year from semi-knocked-down kits.[46]

In March 2008, Avtotor stopped assembling cars for Chery.[46] The main cause being the fear that the government would deprive the factory of its privileges enjoyed under the Special Economic Zone, such as duty-free import of components.[citation needed]

General Motors

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In August 2003, Avtotor and General Motors signed a set of agreements on the organization of production of GM vehicles at the Kaliningrad plant.[47]

In August 2004, the Kaliningrad plant started production of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Chevrolet Tahoe,[48] and in October 2004, of the Hummer H2.[49][50]

In July 2005, the Cadillac CTS, SRX and STS joined them.[51]

On 21 November 2008, production of the Chevrolet Lacetti began in full cycle, including welding and painting. This investment in the organization of the production on the part of GM in Avtotor amounted to 80 million euros.[52]

The other models produced at the Kaliningrad plant included the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Aveo, Epica, Malibu, Orlando, Captiva, and the Opel Astra,[53] Zafira,[53] Meriva, Insignia, Mokka, and Antara.[47]

Since the existence of the project, Avtotor has produced over 362,000 cars for GM's brands.[47] General Motors discontinued its partnership with Avtotor in 2015, citing poor economic outlook in the country.[54]

Hyundai Motor Company

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In September 2012, the company began the production of the commercial vehicle Hyundai HD-78, with a capacity up to 3.5 tonnes, and in 2013, of the trucks Hyundai HD-170 and HD-120.[9] In March 2013, the company started the assembly of the Hyundai i40 sedan and wagon, and in July 2013, of the brand's flagship, the Hyundai Equus.[10] In October 2015, the Hyundai Elantra was added to the line-up.[11]

Kia Motors

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Kia was the initial licensor for Avtotor's manufacturing, and the plant has produced more than 240,000 vehicles for Kia.[12]

Among the models produced at the Avtotor plant are the Clarus, Rocsta, Avella, Besta, Pregio, Carnival I, Carnival II, Carnival IV, Rio I, Rio II, Opirus I, Opirus II, Magentis I, Magentis II, Carens I, Carens II, Sportage I, Sportage II, Sportage III, Ceed, Soul, and Mohave.[12]

In February 2016, Avtotor started production on the Kia Optima.

Awards and recognition

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  • In 2006, Avtotor was ranked 69th in Forbes magazine's list of the 200 largest private companies in Russia [citation needed]

Controversy

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  • In 2012, Avtotor formed a partnership with Magna International, a Canadian auto-parts company.[55][56] Vladimir Shcherbakov released a statement that the Canadian government had pressured Magna International into ending the partnership. A spokesperson for Magna denied the allegations.[57]

References

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  1. ↑ "Рейтинг крупнейших компаний России по объему реализации продукции". Expert RA. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  2. ↑ http://www.rbc.ru/companies/id/112. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ Mihaylova, Olesya (2026-02-18). ""This Is Not Our Business": Avtotor Is Abandoning the Sale of Chinese Cars". www1.ru. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  4. ↑ "Валерий Горбунов: «Ведем переговоры с несколькими перспективными партнерами»". Ведомости (in Russian). 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  5. ↑ "Avtotor Holding LLC: Private Company Information - Businessweek". Businessweek.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  6. 1 2 3 "Выпуск автомобилей на "Автоторе" в 2025 г. подрос на 10%, но был впятеро ниже досанкционного". Interfax.ru (in Russian). 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  7. ↑ "BMW Halts Production in Russia and Stops Exports to the Country". www.wsj.com. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  8. ↑ "Разгон с запасом". Коммерсантъ (in Russian). 2026-02-20. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  9. ↑ Rivers, Stephen (2026-07-02). "Russia Is Selling Bootleg BMWs Built With Leftover Parts From $153,000". Carscoops. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  10. 1 2 "Vladimir Scherbakov". Forbes. Retrieved 2026-08-18.
  11. ↑ "Morina & Ors v Scherbakova & Ors (Re Estate of Vladimir Alekseyevich Scherbakov), [2022] EWHC 609 (Ch) | England and Wales High Court (Chancery Division), Judgment, Law, casemine.com". Casemine. Retrieved 2026-08-18.
  12. ↑ "Kia Starts Kaliningrad Conversion | News". The Moscow Times. Archived from the original on 2016-04-06. Retrieved 2026-08-18.
  13. ↑ "There's A Russian BMW Scam No One Is Talking About". CarBuzz. 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2026-08-18.
  14. ↑ Times, The Moscow (July 11, 2026). "BMW Warns of Unauthorized Production of 'Pirated' Cars in Russia". The Moscow Times.
  15. ↑ "Авто.ру: купить, продать и обменять машину". auto.ru. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  16. ↑ "В России представили первую модель автобренда «Амберавто»". Известия (in Russian). 2024-02-19. Archived from the original on 2025-11-11. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  17. ↑ Говоров, Андрей (2025-01-21). "В России стартовал выпуск рамного внедорожника BAIC BJ60 - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  18. 1 2 Rudkovskiy, Andrey (2026-01-30). "Deepal G318 and S07: Avtotor Launches Assembly of Changan Premium Hybrid SUVs". www1.ru. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  19. 1 2 Borisov, Maksim (2026-04-01). "Mass production of Changan started in Russia". www1.ru. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  20. ↑ Астапенко, Елена (2026-06-10). "Серийное производство внедорожника Tank 300 стартовало на Автоторе - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  21. ↑ Bobylev, Denis (2026-07-14). "Производство внедорожника Haval H9 возобновят в России". Китайские автомобили (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  22. ↑ Буденков, Денис (2026-07-31). "The first crossovers of the Chinese brand Rox were released in Russia". Известия. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  23. ↑ Говоров, Андрей (2023-11-28). "Кроссовер BAIC X7 российской сборки на замену Hyundai Santa Fe: объявлена цена - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  24. ↑ Ежов, Андрей (2023-04-04). "BAIC на Автоторе: 7 новинок в этом году, две из них уже в производстве — X35 и U5 Plus - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  25. ↑ Говоров, Андрей (2024-04-27). "Внедорожник BAIC BJ40 получил дизель в России: объявлена цена - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  26. ↑ "Avtotor". www.avtotor.ru. Archived from the original on 2003-06-08. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  27. ↑ Patrascu, Daniel (2010-08-16). "BMW to Manufacture X1 in Russia". autoevolution. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  28. 1 2 3 "«Автотор» наладит выпуск автомобилей китайской марки Forthing в Калининграде". Rozetked.me (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  29. ↑ bcusack (2003-08-27). "RUSSIA: General Motors confirms Avtotor Hummer H2 assembly". Just Auto. Archived from the original on 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  30. ↑ Kodack, Anthony (2006-04-05). "HUMMER H3 in Russia". TopSpeed. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  31. 1 2 Астапенко, Елена (2023-03-21). "Новый кроссовер Kaiyi выходит на рынок, РФ – на очереди - КОЛЕСА.ру – автомобильный журнал". Автомобильный журнал «КОЛЕСА.РУ» (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  32. 1 2 "Avtotor plant started the assembly of SWM cars". NAPI (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-09-25.
  33. ↑ ""Avtotor" started the assembly of passenger cars Hyundai". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  34. ↑ "Автотор - HYUNDAI". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  35. ↑ ""Avtotor" began the production of Hyundai Elantra cars". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  36. 1 2 "Автотор - KIA". Archived from the original on 2016-04-11. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  37. ↑ ""Avtotor" began the assembly of new generation of JMCG Optima". eng.autostat.ru. Archived from the original on 2016-04-23. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  38. 1 2 3 "Автотор". Archived from the original on 2012-04-13. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  39. 1 2 "Автотор - История Автотора". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  40. ↑ "BMW 5 serija pradedama surinkinėti Kaliningrade". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  41. ↑ "BMW to Invest $500 Million to Double Russian Production Capacity". wardsauto.com. 26 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2016-04-15. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  42. ↑ "BMW postpones Russia assembly plant decision". Automotive News. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  43. ↑ "Russian BMW not BMW?". bashny.net. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-04-13. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  44. ↑ "There's A Russian BMW Scam No One Is Talking About". CarBuzz. 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  45. ↑ "Russia: Chery launches locally assembled vehicles - Automotive World". www.automotiveworld.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-10. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  46. 1 2 "Russia's TagAZ Launches Chery Assembly". 21 August 2008. Archived from the original on 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  47. 1 2 3 "Автотор - GENERAL MOTORS". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  48. ↑ "Return of the Chevy Blazer - Kommersant Moscow". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  49. ↑ "Car News and Information". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  50. ↑ "Start Of Assembly Of HUMMER H2 At Avtotor In Russia". www.theautochannel.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  51. ↑ "Russia's Avtotor Launches Cadillac Assembly | News & Analysis content from WardsAuto". Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  52. ↑ "Russia: GM and Avtotor open new line for Chevrolet Lacetti model - Automotive World". Archived from the original on 2016-03-24. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  53. 1 2 "GM Car Assembly Begins In Kaliningrad". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. 2009-10-26. Archived from the original on 2016-04-14. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  54. ↑ Williams, Marcus (2015-03-25). "GM pulls assembly out of troubled Russian market; VW cuts back in Kaluga". Automotive Logistics. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  55. ↑ "Partners in production in Russia - Automotive Manufacturing Solutions". Automotive Manufacturing Solutions. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  56. ↑ Marson, James. "Magna, Avtotor Team Up for Auto Complex in Russia". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 2016-04-11. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  57. ↑ Alex, Doug; er. "CEO Says Canada Hasn't Asked Magna to End Avtotor Ties". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
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