AvtoVAZ to Restart Lada Granta Production with Euro-5 Engines from September
Russian automaker AvtoVAZ plans to resume the assembly of Lada Granta sedans and liftbacks equipped with Euro-5 standard engines starting September 1. The brand informs via its press office that the shift marks a return to higher emission controls after disruptions tied to sanctions.
The company notes that from September 1, 2023, AvtoVAZ will again produce vehicles meeting the Euro-5 environmental requirements. During 2022, sanctions-related restrictions forced the plant to temporarily switch to the Euro-2 standard to keep lines running and supply to customers intact. The move to Euro-5 now signals a renewed focus on improving emissions performance and aligning with longer term regulatory expectations in key markets.
A notable aspect of the relaunch is the development of new engine control units within Russia. The initial step will see Euro-5 engines installed in Lada Granta models, specifically the sedan and liftback variants. Further plans to extend these engines to additional AvtoVAZ models will be announced as progress continues and local capabilities expand.
Previously, AvtoVAZ confirmed the production of the Lada Granta Sport variant, which is rated at 122 horsepower. The ongoing revival of Euro-5 powerplants complements that performance lineage, offering a choice that balances driving dynamics with stricter emissions standards. The company emphasizes that the localized engine control systems are part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic automotive engineering and reduce dependence on imports for critical components. [citation: AvtoVAZ press office]
Industry observers note that restoring Euro-5 production aligns with broader efforts in Russia to modernize automotive manufacturing while navigating the geopolitical and economic challenges of recent years. The transition to higher efficiency engines is expected to enhance fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions, which can contribute to improved air quality and compliance with evolving environmental requirements across the European and regional markets where Lada Granta is sold. Analysts also point out that domestic engineering work on engine management electronics could support future innovations across other vehicle lines produced by AvtoVAZ.
In communicating the update, the brand underscored that the cadence of Euro-5 adoption will depend on ongoing development milestones, component supply stability, and the regulatory landscape. Customers waiting for Euro-5 equipped Granta models should anticipate a gradual rollout, with the first batches arriving from the Sakhalin and Togliatti facilities once production lines across the network reach the necessary specification levels. The company did not specify exact delivery timelines beyond the September 1 restart date, but confirmed that the market introduction will occur in stages as systems are validated. [citation: AvtoVAZ press office]