–

A photo that sparked a wave of questions circulated on social networks. It shows an AVTOVAZ press production employee, a familiar sight since the company often highlights its key personnel. The image was first published by the Viber channel At the Factory, which is affiliated with AVTOVAZ. What drew the most attention, however, was not the primary subject but a detail in the background that hinted at something larger.

The background clearly reveals the silhouette of a third-generation Dacia Logan sedan, built on Renault’s CMF-B platform. Before the February events, this very sedan, known as Renault Logan, was slated to move into production at AVTOVAZ as early as 2022, according to earlier announcements.

A fragment from the photo shared by the Viber channel At the Factory on June 29, 2022 shows a Logan body in the distance, with the new model caught mid formation in the studio lights.

From there, plans expanded to establish a whole new Lada line on the same CMF-B platform. The vision called for a fresh B-class Lada in 2023, a new Niva in 2024, and, by 2025, a generation shift and platform replacement across the portfolio that would impact Vesta as well. In practice, many of these intentions were paused or canceled in light of subsequent events.

After Renault exited the venture, AVTOVAZ retained rights to develop cars on French platforms. While specifics have not been officially disclosed, the discussion centers on continuing work within the B0 architecture, which includes the current Logan, Sandero, and Duster. Production for these models could potentially move from Renault Russia’s former facility. At the same time, evidence suggests that some efforts on the CMF-B platform continue under AVTOVAZ, albeit with careful recalibration of timelines and scope.

Dacia Logan third generation

The situation gained momentum in April when unofficial sources indicated that preparations for a new Logan still underway at AvtoVAZ. By May, reports suggested that the Logan might be assembled in Togliatti under the Lada brand. The appearance of a Logan body in the background in new imagery could therefore be more than a stray glimpse; it might be a deliberate cue about the direction of Lada’s near future lineup, signaling that some elements of the CMF-B strategy could survive the company’s reshaping.

• Meanwhile, AVTOVAZ has pressing priorities: maintaining the pace of producing the streamlined Grants, which have seen strong demand across the market.
• Driving can now be viewed on RuTube.