St. Petersburg is optimistic about its automotive sector, with projections indicating a return to pre-COVID production levels by 2028. Alexander Sitov, the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee on Industrial Policy, Innovations, and Trade, shared this outlook during an interview at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). He stated that the city hopes to achieve production volumes exceeding a third of Russia's total car manufacturing, which amounts to several hundred thousand vehicles annually. This forecast is based on recent upgrades to local car plants, which have enhanced their production capabilities. Sitov highlighted that the automotive industry faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal sanctions imposed on Russia, which initially disrupted production. However, he expressed confidence that the modernization efforts will lead to a peak increase in car production in St. Petersburg, with benchmarks expected to be reached within the next 2-3 years. The city's commitment to revitalizing its automotive industry is a key aspect of its broader economic recovery strategy.