At the Izhevsk plant, AvtoVAZ has revealed that production of the e-Largus electric car began in late September, signaling a notable milestone for the company as it expands its electrified lineup. Sergei Gromak, the group’s vice president overseeing external relations and shareholder engagement, confirmed the development in a statement reported by the news agency RIA Novosti. This move underscores AvtoVAZ’s ongoing efforts to diversify beyond traditional internal combustion models and position itself within the growing electric vehicle sector in Russia, where factory modernization and new powertrain strategies are increasingly prioritized by automakers seeking to meet evolving regulatory and consumer expectations. The rollout of the e-Largus at the Izhevsk site is framed not only as a product achievement but also as a signal of the plant’s adaptability, reflecting broader industry trends toward electrification and more sustainable mobility options in the domestic market [attribution: RIA Novosti].
Prior to this development, AvtoVAZ halted the release of all trim levels for the Lada Niva Legend, a decision that affected model availability across its dealer network and prompted discussions among stakeholders about product strategy and market positioning. Industry observers note that this pause occurred within a period of strategic recalibration as the automaker navigates supply chain challenges, changing consumer preferences, and the push to accelerate electric vehicle introductions. Analysts and company insiders alike emphasize that the e-Largus program represents a shift toward electrification, with implications for production planning, supplier collaboration, and regional employment in Izhevsk. The pause on the Niva Legend underscores the delicate balance between sustaining legacy models and investing in modern powertrains and modernized manufacturing processes, a tension common to red-meat automotive markets adapting to a new era of zero-emission vehicles and tighter emission regulations [attribution: corporate press briefings].