AVTOVAZ’s CVT Strategy and Production Outlook
AVTOVAZ states that a testing phase for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from a new partner should wrap up by year-end. The company emphasizes a clear path toward expanding automatic transmissions across its model line, with a restart of production in 2024 featuring cars equipped with automatics in multiple configurations. The plan targets a substantial shift: within three years, roughly 60 percent of AVTOVAZ vehicles produced with automatic transmissions would leave the assembly line with such gear systems, reflecting a major strategic move toward enhanced drivability and consumer choice.
Earlier discussions indicated AvtoVAZ might fit Lada models with CVTs sourced from China or with two-clutch robotic transmissions. The option of reverting to Japanese CVTs and Jatco-manufactured units has not been a focus for the current program. Chinese-made automatic units are slated for installation across all Lada variants, with the sole exception of Niva family SUVs, which would continue with their existing powertrain option lineup.
Vote for the Lada at the Driving Grand Prix
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help determine the standout car introductions of the year. Participating is quick, and contributors contribute to a broader sense of which new models resonate with the market. As a thank you for taking part, a drawing will be held among survey respondents, with three prizes offered to winners. The window to complete the questionnaire closes at the end of February, creating a timely opportunity for readers to share their impressions and preferences.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
The initiative aims to capture public feedback on new vehicle introductions, design priorities, and perceived value. The responses help shape ongoing discussions about technology adoption, pricing, and model updates across the Lada lineup. The poll emphasizes user experience, reliability expectations, and the evolving preferences of drivers considering automatic transmissions and related drivetrain technologies.
AVTOVAZ continues to position itself as a key player in the regional automotive sector, balancing the introduction of modern transmissions with a pragmatic approach to sourcing. The emphasis on Chinese CVTs underscores a broader industry trend toward diversified supplier options and the pursuit of efficiency gains in manufacturing. At the same time, the company remains attentive to consumer needs, ensuring that future models maintain accessibility, safety, and performance across a growing range of automatics.