Moskvich M70 Production Begins CKD Preparation in Moscow

CKD Preparation Begins for Moskvich M70

On September 7, the Moscow Automobile Plant “Moskvich” began preparations for Moskvich M70 Production using completely knocked down (CKD) technology. The plant has started assembling the first body of the model as a test sample for manufacturing processes and production documentation. This stage is intended to verify that the planned operations and documentation correspond with actual conditions on the assembly line before the pre-production phase begins. The first body therefore serves as an important manufacturing validation step as the plant prepares its facilities, personnel, and processes for the future production of the Moskvich M70.

Manufacturing Processes Under Validation

During assembly of the first sample, the project team is testing all planned manufacturing operations and comparing the production documentation with the processes being carried out on the assembly line. This work is designed to identify and resolve process-related issues before pre-production begins. Once the initial assembly activities are completed, operators will receive training on the new production processes required for mass production of the model. The approach allows the Moscow Automobile Plant Moskvich to validate production procedures and prepare its workforce before the manufacturing program moves toward larger-scale output.

Plant Upgrades Support CKD Manufacturing

The plant is upgrading its welding, painting, and assembly facilities to support CKD production of the M70. After the upgrades are completed, the plant will perform all welding, painting, and body assembly operations itself. The welding shop has received more than 20 new robots, along with a laser welding system and more than 80 special tables designed for assembling body components. These additions are part of the manufacturing changes being implemented for the M70 and are intended to equip the facility for the planned production processes rather than relying on the previous manufacturing configuration.

Painting Operations Receive Further Automation

The paint shop has also undergone equipment upgrades as part of the M70 production preparation program. Its body transport system has been upgraded, while more than 40 industrial robots have been installed. Together with the changes in the welding and assembly areas, these investments expand the plant's automated manufacturing capabilities for CKD production. The upgrades are being implemented alongside process validation and operator training, creating a coordinated preparation phase before pre-production. The work at the Russia-based facility is therefore focused on establishing the equipment, processes, documentation, and workforce readiness needed for the next stage of M70 manufacturing.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The M70 preparation program marks a deeper manufacturing phase for the Russia facility because welding, painting, and body assembly are planned to be performed at the plant itself once upgrades are complete. The combination of process validation, operator training, and expanded robotic equipment should help establish the production framework required before pre-production and eventual mass manufacturing. The immediate focus remains on testing the first body and aligning documentation with actual assembly operations. For the plant and its workforce, successful completion of these steps will determine readiness for the next manufacturing stage and the broader implementation of CKD production for the Moskvich M70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Moskvich M70 production preparation program?
The Moskvich M70 production preparation program is the plant's CKD manufacturing setup and validation phase, including first-body assembly, equipment upgrades, documentation checks, and operator training. On September 7, the Moscow Automobile Plant “Moskvich” began assembling the first M70 body to test planned manufacturing operations before pre-production begins. The facility is also upgrading welding, painting, and assembly operations, with new robots, a laser welding system, specialized assembly tables, and an upgraded body transport system. These steps are intended to establish the manufacturing processes and workforce readiness required for future mass production of the model.