AvtoVAZ is reportedly preparing to expand its lineup in 2024 by introducing a new brand and a fresh range of models for the Russian market, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing statements from company president Maxim Sokolov. The newspaper notes that the St. Petersburg factory remains active and capable of supporting holiday demand, with plans that include additional models under a potential new brand group. The X-Cross 5, or another model in the X series, is described as likely to roll off the lines at this facility, reinforcing the idea that production serves a broader purpose beyond simply building vehicles. The ultimate aim, as stated, is to meet customer needs and grow the brand’s footprint in the market. It is indicated that a new brand and an expanded model lineup could be unveiled in the coming year, signaling a potential strategic shift for the company and a broader product strategy for the Russian automotive sector. Maxim Sokolov was reportedly visiting the St. Petersburg operations when these remarks were shared, underscoring the management’s emphasis on domestic production capacity and customer-oriented objectives for the Lada factory.
Earlier disclosures revealed that AvtoVAZ initiated the electric version of the Lada Largus at a plant in Izhevsk. The initial batch, comprising 30 electric Largus units, is slated for testing and certification processes to validate performance, safety, and compliance standards. Following this phase, mass production of the Largus, including the gasoline variant, was planned to commence in Izhevsk in May 2024. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward electrification and diversification of the company’s vehicle portfolio, aiming to broaden appeal across a wider segment of buyers while maintaining traditional gasoline offerings for regions where charging infrastructure remains developing. The Izhevsk facility is described as a critical hub for scaling electric vehicle production, with emphasis on quality control, supply chain resilience, and synchronization with regulatory requirements for zero-emission and conventional models alike.
Previously, sources such as socialbites.ca provided detailed analyses of the Lada plant’s prospects in St. Petersburg, highlighting strategic considerations around facility utilization, workforce dynamics, and the integration of new product lines into existing production workflows. The discussions reflect a broader conversation about how AvtoVAZ plans to balance modernization with steady production output, ensuring that capacity is effectively deployed to meet both domestic demand and any anticipated export opportunities. Industry observers have pointed to the importance of sustaining supplier relationships, investing in manufacturing technologies, and maintaining reliability in distribution networks as factors that will influence the successful rollout of any new brand and additional models in the near future. The overall outlook suggests a phased approach in which electric and conventional variants coexist within a growing portfolio, with the St. Petersburg site playing a pivotal role in the company’s long-term growth strategy and market positioning.