Stellantis Automotive Concern, formed a year ago as a result of the merger of the Italian-American Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group, reported on Tuesday about the suspension of production in Russia.
“Given the growing number of cross-sanctions and logistical difficulties, Stellantis has decided to suspend production at its plant in Kaluga. Stellantis takes all measures to comply with international sanctions and protect its employees. Stellantis condemns violence and supports all actions that can restore peace,” the company said in a statement.
The main production asset of the Stellantis group in the Russian Federation is the PSMA Rus plant located in Kaluga in the Rosva industrial park, which has been producing full-cycle cars since 2012. Investment in the project was reported to be at the level of 550 million euros. Stellantis owns 70% of the company's shares, another 30% belongs to Mitsubishi. The plant produces passenger cars Peugeot 408 and Citroen C4, light commercial vehicles Peugeot, Opel and Citroen, as well as mini-vans and compact vans Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo. Mitsubishi assembles Outlander and Pajero Sport SUVs at the facilities of PSMA Rus.
In 2021, production at the plant in Kaluga doubled, reaching 11,000 light commercial vehicles. Since the end of last year, the plant has increased production for export to Western Europe, began assembling Peugeot Expert, Opel Vivaro and Citroen Jumpy for export markets. In addition, Stellantis announced that in 2022 Russia would start assembling manual transmissions and Fiat Scudo cars for export.
According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), sales of Stellantis in Russia in 2021 increased by 64.7%, to 18.526 thousand vehicles.
