TASHKENT, April 28. /TASS/. Chinese and Korean producers Haval, Kia and Hyundai continue assembly of cars in Russia, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told reporters on Thursday.

"Haval (continues production in Russia - TASS), as well as Hyundai, Kia, Avtotor continues production, though (production) has decreased, and Hyundai has some output in St. Petersburg," he said.

Speaking about the remaining auto companies producing cars in Russia, Manturov stressed that the ministry expects them to decide on operations in Russia in May. "We expect them to take a final decision by the end of May and we are to establish a common denominator with them no later than in June," he said.

Russia considers it fine for foreign business to transfer management to local participants when leaving, the minister said, adding that the authorities do not claim property of others. "It is fine to decide to transfer management to local managers as Daimler did in a civilized way regarding its cargo division, transferring it to Kamaz management. We are fine with it. We do not claim property of others, we do not need it," he explained.

Earlier, a number of car producers reported suspension of production and supply of cars to Russia, among them Renault, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, WAG (Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Skoda), Stellantis (owns 14 brands, including Citroёn, Fiat, Opel and Peugeot), Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Scania, Daimler Truck.

According to figures provided by the Association of European Businesses, sales of new passenger cars and LCV (light commercial vehicles) in Russia added 4.3% in 2021 compared with 2020 to 1.67 mln units. Q1 2022 sales plunged by 28.4% year-on-year to 277,332 cars, while March sales amounted to 55,129 units, down by 62.9% year-on-year.