A huge fire broke out at the former Volkswagen factory in Russia's Kaluga, now owned by AGR Automotive. Several fire crews are working at the site, and the fire covers up to 4,000 square meters, according to local sources.
Since Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, strange incidents have been reported on Russian territory itself almost every day: something keeps exploding at factories, warehouses, and oil and gas infrastructure, while trains regularly derail, paralyzing logistics.
Fire at AGR Automotive: causes and damages
Sources report that the fire started in one of the workshops during foam disposal. The fire quickly spread through the production areas, requiring significant firefighting efforts, Korrespondent reports.
“The causes of the fire and the extent of the damage are being clarified,” the company’s press service said.
Official representatives of AGR Automotive have not yet commented. It is known that personnel may have been injured at the scene.
Factory history: from Volkswagen to Chinese cars under Tenet
After Volkswagen left the Russian market due to its war against Ukraine, the factory came under the control of AGR Automotive, one of the largest new operators reviving former foreign production sites.
Since 2024, the company has focused on contract assembly of Chinese cars and rebranding them for the local market.
Currently, the plant produces vehicles under the Tenet brand, which are essentially adapted Chery models for the Russian market.
Fire and production: what is at risk
It is not yet confirmed whether the main production lines were affected. However, the size of the fire and its rapid spread pose a serious threat to the factory’s production processes and logistics.
Fire services continue to manage the situation, with details on casualties and damages still being clarified.
Since Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, strange incidents have been reported on Russian territory itself almost every day: something keeps exploding at factories, warehouses, and oil and gas infrastructure, while trains regularly derail, paralyzing logistics.
