AvtoVAZ has initiated the reintroduction of central locking on Lada Granta models, a move that follows supplier constraints and the broader push to refresh safety and convenience features across its lineup. The information came through Avtograd News’ public page on VKontakte, where the outlet has tracked the company’s ongoing adjustments in response to parts shortages that affected trim levels earlier in 2023. The statement from the automaker confirms that the central locking system, once removed due to limited parts, has now been restored to the Granta family, signaling a return to a more complete feature set for buyers and dealers alike, even as production pressures persist. [Source: Avtograd News]
The Granta program has a long history of iterative updates. In June 2022, simplifying versions of the model began production. Those family of vehicles initially shipped without several amenities that are now considered standard in compact sedans, including airbags, an emergency notification system for traffic accidents (ERA-GLONASS), and the electronic aids like ABS and ESP. In time, airbags were added, improving occupant protection and aligning the Granta with more widely adopted safety expectations. This evolution reflects AvtoVAZ’s strategy to balance cost containment with the gradual enhancement of passive and active safety features as supply chains stabilize. [Source: Avtograd News]
There has also been discussion around the creation of specialized, sanction-averse test builds. Reportedly, a handful of Granta sedans were assembled to explore a version that would function under broader trade constraints. This variant omitted interior trim components such as certain plastic sill trims and some door and trunk detailing, and it lacked some lighting and control features in the interior and luggage areas. The project highlighted how manufacturers sometimes adapt vehicle portfolios to external pressures while retaining core structural integrity. Observers noted that such explorations emphasize the resilience of the vehicle’s basic architecture, with the possibility of reintroducing missing amenities as supply conditions permit. [Source: Avtograd News]
On the localization front, AvtoVAZ has repeatedly stated that near-complete domestic content is a strategic objective for the Lada Granta and the Niva. The intent behind localization is twofold: to reduce exposure to international supply disruptions and to strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems. This approach also supports competitive pricing and ensures that critical safety and comfort features can be scaled to meet local demand while maintaining quality standards. The broader implication is a more self-reliant production model that can respond more swiftly to market conditions in Russia and neighboring markets. [Source: Avtograd News]
Beyond the technical and strategic dimensions, the ongoing updates underscore AvtoVAZ’s effort to keep the Granta relevant in a changing automotive environment. The central locking restoration, together with prior safety feature enhancements, indicates a concerted push to balance affordability with user-friendly operability and compliance with evolving safety norms. For customers, this translates into a more convenient and secure ownership experience, as keyless access and locking reliability are restored to a model that competes in price-sensitive segments without sacrificing essential safety. [Source: Avtograd News]
As the company navigates a marketplace shaped by sanctions policies and global supply fluctuations, the Granta program serves as a case study in how legacy brands adapt to new realities. Localization initiatives, incremental feature reintroductions, and selective omissions in prototype iterations reveal a pragmatic approach: retain the core identity of the model, rebuild common conveniences, and progressively reintroduce advanced systems as the supply chain stabilizes. Industry observers point out that consistent communicative updates from the manufacturer help dealers manage expectations and maintain customer confidence during periods of adjustment. [Source: Avtograd News]
In summary, AvtoVAZ appears to be pursuing a careful rebalancing act. The central locking feature has reappeared on Lada Granta models, signaling a commitment to returning full-spec capability where feasible. At the same time, the company continues to test, document, and adjust the mix of features across trims in response to component availability. The broader message is one of steady progress, with localization efforts reinforcing the company’s aim to strengthen domestic production and sustain a robust, affordable, and safe vehicle lineup for drivers across Russia and nearby markets. [Source: Avtograd News]