The AVTOVAZ group, including its Lada-Izhevsk facility, has begun the new workweek by adopting a full five-day schedule across all companies and subsidiaries. At the Togliatti assembly complex, a six-day workweek has been established, featuring a continuous day off for staff. This shift aims to boost output and stabilize production amid varying market dynamics.
Management emphasized that the move is driven by rising demand for LADA vehicles, supported by a concessional loan program introduced by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. From the autumn season onward, the company plans to expand recruitment for its lines in Togliatti to meet anticipated production needs. This update was communicated by Maxim Sokolov, president of AVTOVAZ, who highlighted the importance of aligning capacity with consumer demand while maintaining workforce stability.
Officials credited the AVTOVAZ team for promptly normalizing operations at both the Togliatti and Izhevsk sites and for resuming car assembly despite the pressures associated with sanctions. Sokolov recalled a rapid adaptation earlier in the year, noting the development of a special version of the Granta Classic’22 that became less dependent on foreign components and now includes widely recognized features such as airbags, the ERA-GLONASS system, and air conditioning. This evolution reflects a broader strategy to enhance safety and comfort while reducing reliance on external supply chains.
During the summer, production also resumed for off-road models Niva Legend and Niva Travel, signaling a broader recovery of the product lineup. Looking forward, some models from the prior range show uncertain prospects, such as XRAY, while others are scheduled for relocation or reinstatement. Specifically, Vesta is planned to be transferred to the Togliatti site by March 2023, with Largus slated to reappear on the same assembly line slightly earlier. These plans illustrate a coordinated approach to rebalancing manufacturing assets and preserving a diverse model lineup for the market.
- To enable the production of these vehicles, ABS was identified as a key component. Sokolov indicated that the essential braking technology would be restored to Lada cars in 2023 to support safety and compliance standards.
- Additional information about these developments and company statements can be found through official AVTOVAZ communications channels and industry roundups where the focus remains on production resilience and model refresh cycles.