Avtotor started production of Kaiyi crossovers and is looking for a new name for JMC models

SUVs will reach Russian dealers in the near future. But for JMC models, they are expected to come up with a new brand.

The Kaliningrad Avtotor plant announced on Thursday, August 31, the start of production of the Kaiyi X3 and X3 Pro crossovers, they joined the Kaiyi E5 sedan, the production of which the enterprise has been running since the beginning of this year. At the moment, the assembly of models of this brand, which is partially owned by Chery, «is carried out on the basis of a welded and painted body with the localization of first-level components.» Subsequently, Avtotor plans to switch to a full production cycle.

“As part of the agreement on strategic cooperation between Avtotor and Kaiyi Auto, the use of local components with a gradual increase in the level of localization is envisaged. Localization plans for each brand model have been developed, providing for specific terms, conditions and obligations of the parties,” the plant’s release says.

Kaiyi X3

The X3 and X3 Pro SUVs are varieties of the well-known Chery Tiggo 4 to Russians (in China, the Kaiyi models are called Showjet and Showjet Pro, respectively), they differ in design from each other. For example, the Pro version has a more sporty look, and a “floating” multimedia tablet is installed in the cabin of such a cross (the “just” X3 has a screen built into the front panel). In terms of dimensions, the Kaiyi crossovers are the same: length — 4400 mm, width — 1831 mm, height — 1653 mm, wheelbase — 2632 mm. The nominal ground clearance of our models is 158 mm.

Kaiyi X3 1/2 Kaiyi X3 2/2

According to Avtotor, the Kaiyi X3 will be offered with a 1.5 petrol engine with 113 hp. in combination with a variator (on the Russian consumer site Kaiyi, another return is indicated — 116 hp; mechanics are also declared there). The Kaiyi X3 Pro crossover is equipped with a 147-horsepower 1.5 turbo four and CVT. Both motors can «feed» AI-92. Drive only forward. Models include heated steering wheel, front and rear seats, 10.25-inch infotainment system, air conditioning, cruise control.

Kaiyi X3 Pro 2/5 e5eaf9452e9b362866f26e382e1b7f40.png» /> Kaiyi X3 Pro 3/5 4/5 Kaiyi X3 Pro 5/5

Crosses will reach dealers in the near future, prices have not yet been disclosed. Most likely, the Kaiyi X3 and X3 Pro will be more expensive than the Kaiyi E5 sedan, but the latter costs from 2,115,000 rubles today.

Recall that this year Avtotor also entered into agreements with Chinese companies BAIC and SWM, their models are also «registered» at the factory. But with another «celestial» partner, there was a hitch. So, in mid-August, the Russian company announced the launch of the production of JMC cars (pickup and cabover trucks), but now there is no press release dedicated to this event on the Avtotor website, the mention of it has also been removed from official social networks. According to the telegram channel No Limits, citing dealers, the reason for this was the requirement of JMC not to use the original brand name, as the company allegedly fears that sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation may affect it (JMC cooperates, for example, with Ford and Isuzu). It is assumed that Avtotor will continue to assemble JMC cars, but they will come up with a new brand for them: rebranding can be carried out during September-October.