Toyota’s Production Plant In Russia, Shutting Down Completely

Toyota Logo

Image Source: Reuters

Due to the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine, Toyota has finally decided to completely close its vehicle production plant in Saint Petersburg.

Initially, a week after the war began, the company temporarily suspended operations of the facility, and had plans on restarting only if the situation recovers. 

However, based on the latest reports, Toyota no longer plans to continue operations in Russia, because the sanctions imposed on the country are affecting the supply chain.

Toyota RAV4

For context, said factory that started operating in 2007 has the capacity to produce as many as 100,000 vehicles per year, which is used to assemble the Toyota Camry and RAV4.

Notably, last year, the RAV4 SUV was the best-selling model in Russia with sales reaching 38,441 units, but since the crisis, its performance has plummeted.

Specifically, its sales in August of this year only amounted to 221 units, which is 97% less than in the same month last year.

Mazda Production Plant

Elsewhere, Mazda is also currently considering closing its production plant in Vladivostok, but has not yet decided whether it also wants to end car sales and maintenance operations in the country.

That said, Volkswagen and Nissan have also closed-up shop in Russia since the crisis began, and Renault has sold most of its shares in AvtoVaz to a Russian science institute.

Renault Scénic Vision Concept

Image Source: Bloomberg