Maker Of Putin’s Limousine Takes Over Toyota’s St Petersburg Plant That Produces Camry, RAV4 Models

Maker of Vladimir Putin’s limousine, NAMI, takes over Japanese automaker Toyota’s St Petersburg Plant in Russia.

Former Toyota production facilities, which produces Camry and RAV4 models had been in operation since 2005.

Toyota in September announced its decision stop production in Russia, citing interruption in supplies of key materials/parts.

NAMI had earlier taken over Renault and Nissan’s plants, following their exodus over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute (NAMI) has taken over Toyota’s St. Petersburg plant, the Russian Trade and Industry Ministry announced on Friday.

“Toyota’s production site in St Petersburg has been transferred to the state….The agreement implies full transfer of ownership of the plant building, equipment and land,” Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a statement.

The former Toyota production facilities, which produces Camry and RAV4 models had been in operation since 2005. Over 80,000 vehicles were manufactured at the St Petersburg’s plant in 2021.

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“Toyota confirms that it has concluded the transfer of its vehicle production plant to NAMI effective from March 31, 2023.

“The agreement includes the full transfer of ownership of the plant buildings and land, ” Toyota said in a statement.

Japanese automaker, Toyota, in September 2022 announced its decision stop vehicle production in Russia due to the interruption in supplies of key materials and parts.

NAMI, in partnership with the Russian carmaker Sollers, were responsible for producing the armored Aurus L700 limousine used by Vladimir Putin during his inauguration in 2018.

NAMI had earlier taken over plants and assets in Russia built by Renault and Nissan, following an exodus of Western automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and Audi, over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.

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