AVTOVAZ Denies Reports of Preparing Cars Without ABS
The AvtoVAZ press service has officially dismissed rumors about plans to build cars without an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This denial came in response to a report from Lada.Online, which claimed that the company was considering launching simplified versions of certain models in a limited series as part of a broader effort to cut losses caused by shortages of electronic components.
According to the report, the Granta and Niva models might be produced without ABS and several other electronic systems. The information suggested that only the version without ABS would be offered, and that the adaptation of production processes along with a shift in supplier relations would require time, potentially until May. It also described the measure as temporary. In response, the AVTOVAZ press service called these claims fake and reiterated that no such plan was in place.
Context matters here. Earlier in February 2022, AVTOVAZ faced a shortage of electronic components and made a decision to produce and sell the Niva Legend SUVs without ERA-GLONASS modules and airbags. In practical terms, the vehicle would feature only the driver’s seat airbag, with the ERA-GLONASS system and other electronic components slated for possible later installation if supply allowed. Even earlier, in August 2021, a temporary measure was taken not to install ERA-GLONASS blocks on models including Grants, Largus, and XRAY. These past actions illustrate how supply constraints have shaped production choices, sometimes leading to feature omissions as a temporary response rather than a permanent change.
Industry watchers note that current production lines are facing tight timelines and a backlog of orders from dealers. Some observers describe the situation as a race against time to assemble and fulfill the existing orders while navigating parts shortages. In parallel, informal channels and messaging platforms such as Viber have been used by consumers and industry insiders to monitor what is happening on the shop floor and in the sales pipeline. This underscores how rumors can spread quickly in a market where supply constraints are real, even as official statements aim to calm speculation.
What is known for certain is that AVTOVAZ has not announced any plan to strip vehicles of essential safety systems for mass production. The company continues to emphasize its commitment to safety and compliance, while acknowledging the ongoing supply challenges that affect production timing and the ability to meet dealer demand. Official communications stress that any temporary adjustments would be carefully evaluated against safety standards and modernization goals, with announcements issued only through verified corporate channels.
In this environment, the balance between meeting customer demand and maintaining safety features remains a central concern. The industry’s experience over the past years shows that shortfalls in components can prompt rapid changes in model configurations, timelines, and distribution strategies. AVTOVAZ’s public position, reinforced by the press service, is that the rumors of a wholesale removal of ABS or other critical systems are unfounded. Stakeholders are advised to rely on official updates rather than unverified reports from social media or informal networks.
As the situation evolves, dealers and customers should stay informed through authorized company channels for accurate product specifications and delivery expectations. The broader market continues to monitor whether any temporary adjustments emerge in response to supply dynamics, with safety and regulatory compliance remaining the top priorities for AVTOVAZ and its partners.
Notes for readers: the initial discussions about ABS and related electronics should be interpreted in the context of ongoing component shortages and the company’s historical responses to such disruptions. When new information appears, it is prudent to verify its source and to await official confirmations before drawing conclusions about changes to vehicle configurations or safety features.
In summary, AVTOVAZ has denied reports of preparing cars without ABS, stressing that any future adjustments would be communicated through formal channels and would be guided by safety considerations, supplier realities, and the company’s long-term production strategy.