Look: This Sexy Crossover That Makes Moscow Proud Is Built With Chinese Parts

In Moscow, what's old is new again when it comes to a redesign of a classic Russian car. 

Originally a Soviet/Russian car produced by AZLK from 1946-1991 and by OAO Moskvitch from 1991-2001, the revamped Moskvitch made its debut in November 2022 to acclaim, particularly from Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.

"This is a historic event," Sobyanin said. "Many people thought it was the end of the Russian car industry."

The cars — there are a sedan and three SUV models — are assembled in a factory formerly owned by Renault, a French car company. The Moscow city government got the factory for just one ruble amid Western sanctions on Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The cars are assembled using kits purchased from China, showing the prevalence of China’s manufacturing in Russia’s economy, according to Reuters. 

China has been emphasizing auto manufacturing with companies such as electric vehicle makers Nio Inc - ADR (NYSE: NIO) and Warren Buffett-backed BYD Motors (OTCMKTS: BYDDF) 

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The Russian carmaker did not disclose where it got some of the parts for the new Moskvitch car from, but sources familiar with the matter confirmed the outside parts were from JAC Motors, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, according to Reuters.

Moskvitch added there are hopes to increase production in 2024 and to incorporate more Russian components as opposed to importing.

Russia and China have emerged as significant trade partners after many NATO and Western countries have limited business or put sanctions on Russia because of its war with Ukraine. A British intelligence chief said China has been "complicit" in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. 

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Photo: Supplied by Kamaz