AvtoVAZ is reportedly facing a shortage of airbags for certain Lada models, a claim circulating within the Avtograd news community on VKontakte. Local voices describe a picture of production and safety equipment that has raised eyebrows among observers in Russia and beyond. The reports suggest questions about how well-equipped the Granta and Niva lines are when they leave the factory floor, and they prompt broader discussions about vehicle safety standards and supplier management as the market evolves.
According to insiders, on a Saturday, October 14, during a 12‑hour shift, 590 Granta units rolled off the AvtoVAZ assembly line. The following day, the same batch appeared to be produced with incomplete safety equipment, notably airbags missing from the configuration. In parallel, rumors from the same circle claim that on the same day 400 unfinished Niva SUVs were in various stages of completion at the Tolyatti facility. These accounts, while unconfirmed by official channels, feed a wider narrative about production bottlenecks and the pace of model rollout in a competitive market. Researchers and industry observers often compare such reports with public safety expectations and regulatory standards, probing how manufacturers balance efficiency with essential safety components.
Earlier this year, Alexey Podshchekoldin, the chairman of the Russian Association of Auto Dealers (ROAD), spoke about how AvtoVAZ has been handling shipments to dealers. He stated that a notable share of Lada vehicles reach dealers in a disassembled state—estimates from the industry group put the figure at 60–70 percent. This topic touched off a broader conversation about how carmakers manage inventory, parts storage, and final assembly steps before customers take delivery. In response, AvtoVAZ executives explained that vehicles lacking certain parts may be temporarily stored in warehouses owned by the manufacturer or by dealers and then completed as orders come in, a practice that aims to keep supply lines flexible while respecting production schedules. The dialogue underscores the tension between rapid distribution and ensuring every unit meets full equipment standards before sale.
As September drew to a close, AvtoVAZ announced plans to launch online sales of Lada models at factory prices. The manufacturer’s platform began listing Granta configurations, with the Standard version priced at 670,000 rubles and a Drive Active variant offered at 911,000 rubles. The move toward direct online sales reflects a broader shift in automotive retail, where brands experiment with digital channels to reach buyers more efficiently, reduce friction in the purchase journey, and provide transparent pricing. For consumers in Canada and the United States, this development highlights the evolving landscape of regional availability and pricing strategies, even as the core model lineups and safety expectations remain a topic of ongoing interest for international audiences.
The question of how car prices and perceived value shift in October has been a recurring story in recent years. Analysts, journalists, and industry watchers often track price movements across segments to understand the market’s pulse, the impact of currency fluctuations, production costs, and consumer demand. In the context of AvtoVAZ, observers ponder how potential gaps in equipment could influence resale value, warranty coverage, and total ownership costs for buyers who acquire vehicles with fewer standard features at the outset. The evolving conversation emphasizes the need for transparent communication from manufacturers about what customers can expect in terms of safety equipment, optional add-ons, and the timeliness of delivery.