Changan considers building UNI-Z crossover at Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad in 2027

Changan is considering local production of the UNI-Z crossover in Russia in 2027, according to pravda.ru. Alexander Kulagin, executive director of Changan Motors Rus, told "Avtonovosti dnya" that the company is assessing demand for the model at dealerships before making a final decision on starting output pravda.rupravda.rupravda.ruOpen source ↗. No final decision has been made yet. UNI-Z in the Lux and Techno trims is currently offered at 3,249,000 to 3,349,900 rubles.

Avtotor plant and pricing

The Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad is being considered as the assembly site. Kulagin confirmed the brand's interest in using this particular capacity. The plant already builds the UNI-S, UNI-T, CS35 Max and CS75 Plus crossovers, the UNI-V liftback, and the hybrid models G318 and S07 of the Deepal sub-brand.

According to Kulagin, localization would change the cost structure of vehicle supply, and he described its link to the final price as "straightforward". If the plan goes ahead, the car's price may fall because of the removal of large recycling fees tied to imports from China.

Taxi list and current specification

A separate part of Changan's strategy is getting the UNI-Z onto the list of cars approved for taxi use. The list under the taxi localization law was recently expanded to 38 models, and the manufacturer wants to be included, provided the Russian assembly requirements are met pravda.rupravda.rupravda.ruOpen source ↗. This could give the model access to corporate orders and taxi fleets, which usually require local production.

Seven localized Changan models are currently available on the Russian market. The UNI-Z is still sold as an import from China, equipped with a 1.5-litre 147-horsepower turbo engine and a seven-speed preselective automated transmission.