AVTOVAZ outlines Renault and Lada maintenance strategy amid a trilateral agreement

No time to read?
Get a summary

AVTOVAZ President Maxim Sokolov spoke at one of the company’s central spare parts warehouses near Tver, explaining how Renault and Lada vehicles will be serviced in the coming years. The key message is clear: through a trilateral agreement among Renault SAS (France), Renault Russia, and PJSC AVTOVAZ, AVTOVAZ has secured the exclusive right to after-sales and warranty service for Renault cars on Russian soil, along with the sale of original spare parts for Renault vehicles in Russia. This arrangement positions AVTOVAZ as the primary service and parts hub for Renault in the region, according to AVTOVAZ statements.

In the recent past, most Renault spare parts were sourced from France and Romania. AVTOVAZ reports that stock levels have nearly recovered. The current supply framework is described as follows, based on AVTOVAZ data and internal logistics assessments:

  • Approximately 78 percent of spare parts are imported, with spare parts transport trucks already en route to distribution points.
  • About 17 percent originate from local Russian suppliers, and the issues they faced have been resolved; these parts are already reaching the distribution network or are on track for delivery within two months.
  • The remaining 5 percent represents a challenge area that requires alternative suppliers and additional time to secure.

There is a concern among Renault owners about whether this 5 percent gap could become a critical bottleneck affecting maintenance or warranty repairs. AVTOVAZ addressed this by discussing the issue with Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of the automotive magazine Behind the Wheel, and with AVTOVAZ personnel responsible for organizing after-sales and warranty services for both Lada and Renault vehicles.

Kadakov, speaking for the publication, described the current status of dealer network development. According to him, organizational work with Renault dealers is nearly complete. A total of 154 dealer agreements have been signed, complementing the 155 Renault dealerships operated within the AVTOVAZ system. Since July 2022, spare parts shipments have begun to these dealers from central and regional warehouses, ensuring a steady supply chain for after-sales service.

Kadakov emphasized that a Renault car owner cannot be refused warranty service by a dealer simply due to a lack of spare parts or a missing AVTOVAZ contract. He stated that repairing vehicles under warranty is a legal obligation that dealers must fulfill, and AVTOVAZ commits to reimbursing dealers for all warranty service costs, including those incurred during the transition period. This assurance is anchored in the trilateral framework and AVTOVAZ’s commitments to its dealers and customers, as reported by Behind the Wheel.

AVTOVAZ staff confirmed the presence of spare parts in warehouses, including a facility in Tver where a firsthand look at stock levels was taken. While it is not guaranteed that the entire Renault range is on hand at all times, Kadakov observed brake discs, fuel pumps, suspension components, filters, door mirrors, and other Renault parts stored within a complex logistics setup that also accommodates Lada components. The physical shelf presence reflects a robust, integrated supply system aimed at rapid order fulfillment.

The same 5 percent challenge is not seen as an insurmountable hurdle. Under the trilateral agreement, AVTOVAZ has inherited a substantial warehouse stock of Renault parts in Russia, which forms a strong backbone for ongoing service. Additionally, there is a large inventory of components from the Moskvich plant, previously intended for the Renault-era conveyor, which now contributes to the spare parts pool. This broad asset base is expected to cover demand as stock levels adjust and deliveries keep pace with service needs, according to AVTOVAZ leadership and Kadakov’s assessment during the visit.

Of particular interest are transmission components, including hydromechanical units and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). These items are not typically stocked in huge quantities, yet dealers report a steady turnover of up to ten gearboxes per week without supply constraints. The same applies to hydraulic systems and variators, where no immediate shortage was reported. Engines were also noted as serviceable within the official framework. This suggests that, as the large stock of spare parts is managed and depleted, replenishment will be arranged to address even the more troublesome items, ensuring continued service capacity for Renault models sold in Russia.

In summary, Renault cars can be serviced and repaired with available spare parts, and dealers are expected to honor warranty obligations. If a dealer refuses service, that would be considered improper conduct. Customers are advised that complaints can be directed to official Renault channels, with authorization lists and dealer networks maintained by the Lada and Renault operations. The overarching message from AVTOVAZ is that Renault maintenance, parts availability, and warranty fulfillment are supported by a comprehensive stock strategy and a broad, cooperative dealer network, ensuring customers receive timely service and genuine parts across the country.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Intercity’s Run Ahead: Home Quest, Real Sociedad B Challenge

Next Article

Alcoy Mayoral Re-Election Focuses on Continuity and Modernization