Putin Test-Drives Chinese-Designed Volga K50 Built At Former Volkswagen Plant

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday took the wheel of the new Volga K50 during a working visit to Nizhny Novgorod, personally test-driving the Chinese-influenced crossover SUV as Russia pushes to revive its domestic automobile industry.

Putin drove the new flagship crossover between buildings within the Nizhny Novgorod automotive cluster. After his test drive, he praised the K50 for its comfort and handling, adding that the crossover was easy to operate.

He also left his autograph on one of the vehicles, with the signed car expected to be preserved as a notable part of the brand’s history. During the visit, Putin was introduced to the revived Volga brand and its new model range, comprising the K40 and K50 crossovers and the C50 business sedan.

With a planned annual capacity of up to 110,000 vehicles, the Volga project is part of Russia’s broader effort to strengthen domestic vehicle production and reduce reliance on imported automobiles. The company says it studied technologies from leading Chinese automakers when developing the vehicles.

The K50 itself is a large D-segment SUV measuring 4,770mm in length, with a 2,845mm wheelbase, positioning it as the flagship of the initial Volga line-up. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 238 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, the new Volga production facility is the former Volkswagen plant in Nizhny Novgorod, where Volkswagen and Skoda vehicles were previously manufactured before the German marque exited the country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For Putin, the presidential test drive provided a highly visible demonstration of Russia’s attempt to put a revived national badge back on the road, even as Chinese automotive technology plays an important role in getting the project moving.

With Volga sales already underway following the start of series production in April 2026, the government-backed push could determine whether the historic Volga nameplate can establish itself as a serious player in Russia’s modern car market.

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