Business Newspaper: Chinese car manufacturers will enter the list of taxi-approved models this spring
March 12, according to the Business Newspaper, the list of cars approved for taxi operations may be updated this spring. This means that long-awaited brands such as Haval, Tenet, and the new brand Jeland (which actually produces Omoda and Jaecoo models) may be included in the list. In the future, the list is also expected to expand to include the Volga brand, "Atom" electric vehicles, and JieTu Dashing.
According to two insiders, under the new law (which limits the list to locally produced models), the taxi vehicle list is expected to add Haval Jolion, F7, and F7x, as well as Tenet T7 (Chery Tiggo 7L) by the end of March, and include the Jeland brand (Omoda C5, Jaecoo J7, and J6) between April and May.
The inclusion of Haval models had been anticipated as early as early March, but according to one insider, it was delayed due to technical reasons. Previously, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade had stated that the relevant documents for including Haval Jolion, F7, and F7x had been submitted to the government.
According to the Business Newspaper, Haval is the only Chinese automaker with its own production base in Russia, but its models initially did not meet the basic requirements of the new "Taxi Localization Law": they did not reach the required 3200 localisation points and were not part of a special investment agreement (SPIC) signed between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2025.
"Haval Automotive Manufacturing Russia Company" (a subsidiary of China's Great Wall Motors) signed an SPIC with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2020. It is reported that the company may use the third criterion, i.e., signing or amending an SPIC after March 1, 2022, and obtaining government approval. Industry insiders pointed out that Haval is interested in cooperation in the taxi sector.
According to insiders, "AGR Group" is also waiting for government approval for the Tenet T7 model. This crossover SUV is produced at the company's factory in Kaluga (formerly a Volkswagen plant). The group announced in early February a collaboration with Chinese Defetoo to launch a second brand - Jeland. The official statement said that the production plan will start in the first half of 2026. According to the vehicle type approval (OTTS) documents, the Jeland brand will actually produce models of Chery sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo, including Omoda C5, Jaecoo J7, and J6. The documents indicate that the assembly work can be carried out either at the original General Motors (later Hyundai) factory or at the Kaluga factory.
Insiders speculate that models assembled at the Kaliningrad "Avito Tor" factory, especially JieTu Dashing, may also enter the taxi license list.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade mentioned earlier in October the plan to include "Avito Tor" products on the list, but did not specify the exact models. One insider speculated that if the government approves (i.e., through the third criterion), the manufacturer's models are likely to be included. However, Denis Pak, president of "Avito Tor" Holding, reminded that the company's product line includes highly localized electric transportation - "AmberAvto". The chairman of the board, Valery Gorbunov, said in an interview, "If our products cannot enter the taxi market, the loss will be greater than ours, because it is important to ensure that all customers - that is, taxi passengers - are satisfied."
Looking ahead, Volga brand (actually Geely) cars may appear on the list. The model is planned to be produced in the second quarter of 2026 at the former Volkswagen factory in Nizhny Novgorod. Additionally, "Atom" electric vehicles are also expected to be included. The company has not disclosed the latest production schedule to the Business Newspaper (initially announced as the end of 2025), but pointed out that the federal government is aware of the production start-up plan for "Atom" electric vehicles, with sales scheduled to begin in 2026. The manufacturer expects that after the government makes the relevant decision, the model will be approved for taxi operations.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov stated on June 17, 2025, at TASS: "This law aims to support Russian automobile manufacturers."
So far, the list of locally produced taxi models contains 22 models from six brands: Lada, Sollers (SP7 and SF1), Evolute (i-Joy, i-Sky), Voyah (Free, Dream, Passion), Moskvich (3, 3e, 6, 8, M70, and M90), and UMO 5. Compared to the preliminary list published in October, the Evolute i-Pro (discontinued), i-Jet, as well as UAZ "Patriot" and "Hunter," which met formal standards but were not popular with the taxi industry, have been removed.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade repeatedly emphasized that the list will be regularly updated based on models produced within the framework of special investment agreements and committed to deepening localization. Taxi companies continue to insist on publishing the final expanded list. According to insiders, the procurement of new cars has actually been suspended at present.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859440559611904/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.