AvtoVAZ, the Russian carmaker behind the Lada brand, has started equipping certain Lada Vesta family models without airbags as a temporary measure in response to supply constraints. This development was reported by Avtograd News on VKontakte, a popular social platform in Russia. The change affects configurations that previously included the standard airbag safety feature, signaling a shift in the model lineup for buyers who prioritize safety equipment as part of their vehicle package.
Beginning February 1, AvtoVAZ introduced options for the Lada Vesta models missing airbags. In the leanest trim, the cars come with an almost bare configuration that still includes essential conveniences like a multimedia system and a rear-view camera. Heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated components for the Sedan and Sedan Cross versions are listed as part of the upgrade package. An on-line report notes that a central armrest was removed from the assembly line as part of this adjustment, underscoring the broader manufacturing changes underway to keep production flowing.
As of December 11, 2023, AvtoVAZ confirmed that Vesta vehicles were being produced without airbags due to shortages in critical parts. This approach is described as a necessary workaround aimed at preventing conveyor downtime and avoiding a build-up of inventory shortages at the manufacturing facility. The company indicated that the option to ship Vesta cars without airbags would continue into 2024, reflecting ongoing supply chain constraints at that time.
In the lower-spec versions, Vesta models without airbags are paired with gasoline engines delivering around 106 horsepower and paired with a manual transmission. This configuration emphasizes affordability and practicality for buyers who can accept the absence of airbag protection in exchange for a reduced price or faster delivery during the period of parts scarcity. The overall aim of this strategy appears to be sustaining production cadence while navigating intermittent supply interruptions that affected safety components.
Earlier reports noted that two Lada models had disappeared from AvtoVAZ’s official website, highlighting the broader reorganization of model ranges and option lists amid the ongoing adjustments in safety equipment supply. The evolving product lineup reflects how automakers sometimes adapt feature sets to maintain output and manage resource limitations without halting production entirely.