St. Petersburg-based AvtoVAZ is moving forward with a new crossover project that could carry the X-Cross 7 designation. Reports circulating on Avtograd News’ public VKontakte page suggest that the name may be attached to vehicles assembled at the St. Petersburg plant as soon as this year. An early, unconfirmed note hints that these cars could adopt the X cross 7 index, and AvtoVAZ President Maxim Sokolov indicated during Mechanical Engineering Day that a formal announcement of the brand name would come shortly. The company is said to be finalizing the branding and market positioning as part of its broader modernization plan.
Plans are in place for AvtoVAZ to begin retailing cars under the new brand this spring. The company’s intention to operate under a fresh brand umbrella has been discussed publicly since January 2024, signaling a strategic shift toward expanding its product portfolio while potentially inviting collaborations with foreign partners. It remains uncertain which overseas manufacturers may join forces with AvtoVAZ on this venture, but the goal is clear: broaden the lineup beyond traditional Lada models and introduce vehicles that meet evolving customer demands in Russia and beyond.
Across the board, AvtoVAZ’s development roadmap through 2030 envisions the introduction of 12 new car models and the advancement of several partnership projects. The strategic milestones point toward a more diverse range of vehicles, with emphasis on both domestic manufacturing and potential international cooperation. The company is positioning itself to capitalize on new market opportunities while maintaining a strong domestic footprint.
In line with these ambitions, AvtoVAZ plans to bring three new Lada models to market by 2026. The domestic business class sedan Lada Aura is slated to commence production in the current calendar year, signaling a renewed push in the mid-size segment. Meanwhile, work on the Lada Iskra is anticipated to begin in 2025, and a fresh crossover built on the Vesta platform is expected to start production in 2026. These developments reflect a deliberate strategy to refresh the product lineup with modern engineering, up-to-date safety features, and improved efficiency across key segments.
Earlier reports have also mentioned that AvtoVAZ intends to repaint its Lada lineup in new colors, aligning with a broader visual refresh associated with the brand transition. This color strategy aims to enhance on-road visibility and customer perception as the company rolls out its updated family of vehicles.
At a reading level designed for industry watchers and consumers alike, the company’s moves signal a concerted effort to sharpen its competitive edge. By expanding the brand architecture, introducing three new Lada models within a few years, and exploring strategic partnerships, AvtoVAZ seeks to strengthen its position in the evolving European and CIS markets while maintaining a strong local manufacturing base. The timing of the spring rollout and the 2026 new crossover are closely watched benchmarks for both investors and customers who follow the brand’s ongoing transformation. Attribution: AvtoVAZ communications and industry press coverage.