Russia Launches Umo Electric Vehicle Production With Yandex AI Integration

Production of Umo electric and hybrid vehicles by EVM has started in Moscow. The project is based at the Moskvich industrial site and integrates digital products developed by a major IT partner.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin formally launched the production line. Manturov’s office said the new brand is being developed under a special investment contract that includes commitments to localize manufacturing.

The project’s technology partner is Yandex. The vehicles are equipped with artificial intelligence features, as well as proprietary multimedia and navigation systems. The company will also aggregate demand from taxi fleets and handle distribution to private buyers.

Electric Crossover

The debut model is the Umo 5 electric crossover, designed for urban use and taxi operations. The vehicle meets the Comfort+ tier requirements of Yandex Taxi. Within a month, the first 100 cars will be delivered to partner taxi fleets in Moscow. In 2026, the company plans to produce around 3,000 Umo electric vehicles.

Manturov said the project reflects coordination between business, the federal government, and the Moscow city administration. The city provided production capacity at the Moskvich plant, while the manufacturer committed to deep localization of components and assembly.

Sobyanin said the Moskvich plant currently produces four vehicle models, with four more scheduled to be introduced by year-end, including Umo electric vehicles. He added that the expansion of urban infrastructure and intelligent transport systems has created the foundation for scaling electric vehicles in the taxi sector.

Hybrid and electric vehicles account for about 6% of Russia’s auto market, Manturov said. Output in the segment nearly tripled last year.