The plant in St. Petersburg is now operated by AvtoVAZ, taking over a facility previously associated with Nissan. Under the Lada brand, the factory will roll out models that are designed to meet modern demands while aligning with the company’s extended lineup. The move marks a significant step as AvtoVAZ expands its footprint in Russia’s automotive landscape, with the St. Petersburg site positioned to contribute to the brand’s regional strategy and to support the broader production network that serves customers across Canada, the United States, and Europe with accurate localization where markets allow.
Executives emphasize that the forthcoming Lada models will combine contemporary design with high build quality and strong value perception. Safety remains a top priority, with the vehicles expected to meet stringent standards across various segments. AvtoVAZ has made it clear that these new offerings will occupy different classes and price points, ensuring they do not directly mirror the products produced by the Volga Automobile Plant today, while still delivering the reliability and practical appeal that the Lada name is known for. This approach aims to broaden the brand’s appeal to a wider audience, including enthusiasts who value a balanced mix of practicality, affordability, and modern technology.
Looking at production goals, AvtoVAZ has outlined plans to lift annual output to around 400,000 vehicles in the current cycle, signaling a push to boost capacity and efficiency across its manufacturing network. The company expects notable growth from the end of the previous year, when output approached the mid two-hundred-thousands range. This scaling aligns with strategic investments in facilities, workforce development, and supply chain resilience, all geared toward sustaining momentum in a market that prizes value and reliability from domestic brands.
In addition to the internal expansion, the company has previously signaled the introduction of an electric model as part of its broader electrification strategy. A prototype of the electric Lada Largus has been showcased to demonstrate progress in zero-emission mobility while highlighting the brand’s commitment to expanding its electrified portfolio. This move speaks to a longer-term plan to diversify powertrains and meet evolving regulatory and consumer expectations in regions where electric mobility continues to grow in popularity.