AvtoVAZ, which inherited production capabilities and supplier relationships from Nissan, is actively positioning itself to expand its impact in the electric-vehicle sector. The company has announced its readiness to welcome new partners to collaborate at the St. Petersburg facility, signaling a strategic shift toward broader joint ventures that can leverage the plant’s existing infrastructure and engineering know-how. This openness was communicated through the press service following a recent meeting between AvtoVAZ President Maxim Sokolov and Alexander Gurov, the head of the regional branch of the Union of Mechanical Engineers. The dialogue underscored a shared interest in accelerating local manufacturing capabilities and expanding the region’s role in automotive innovation, particularly in electrification projects that align with Russia’s evolving transport priorities and regional development goals.
During the briefing, AvtoVAZ’s leadership highlighted that the new production site in St. Petersburg holds significant potential for scaling up operations and integrating additional projects. The company indicated it is evaluating possibilities for joint ventures that could include the development and manufacture of an electric vehicle conceived and designed within St. Petersburg. This marks a shift from a primarily domestic production footprint to a more collaborative model that invites domestic and potentially foreign partners to contribute to the plant’s growth trajectory, ensuring the city remains a focal point in the region’s industrial strategy and the broader electric-mobility ecosystem.
According to statements from Maxim Sokolov, plans for the second half of 2023 envisage the commencement of production across several Lada models at the St. Petersburg site, with a clear emphasis on localizing both assembly and associated supply chains. The timeline suggests a deliberate approach to ramping up manufacturing capacity while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. The emphasis on local production is seen as a lever to bolster regional employment, foster supplier networks, and demonstrate the viability of extending a legacy brand into a new era of electrified offerings, all while maintaining the proven performance and reputation of the Lada lineup.
Earlier reports indicated that KamAZ has been involved in the testing phase of a modernized city electric bus, signaling a broader push toward electrification across multiple segments of the automotive and transport sectors. This cross-company collaboration signals a shared commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions, expanding the roster of electric vehicles in the region, and strengthening Russia’s domestic manufacturing capabilities in the face of evolving market and regulatory landscapes. As these initiatives unfold, stakeholders anticipate a dynamic period of growth at the St. Petersburg site, marked by increased production throughput, enhanced technical competencies, and stronger regional partnerships that collectively support the broader transition to electric transportation.