A fresh phase begins at AVTOVAZ as the assembly line for SUVs returns to operation. After finishing the Lada Granta run, the factory reactivates the line that previously produced the Niva Legend and Niva Travel. This move aligns with the company’s plan to steady its output by launching simplified configurations that minimize dependence on scarce foreign components.
The first model in this anti-crisis lineup was the Grant, and the next wave is focused on the Niva Legend and Niva Travel. A test batch, which previously consisted of only a few units, was assembled at the Togliatti plant on July 22. The batch was split evenly, with 13 units of Niva Legend and 13 units of Niva Travel prepared for initial testing and evaluation.
Key changes in these simplified SUVs include the absence of ABS and ERA-GLONASS systems. Domestic seat belts were installed throughout, and the Niva Travel model features a steering wheel without an airbag, referred to as the Prior variant. This mirrors the approach used in the simplified Granta Classic from 2022, while the Niva Legend already relied on a front airbag absence due to the disengagement of ERA-GLONASS, leaving the non-inflating steering wheel in place.
Details about when serial production of the Niva family would resume were confirmed in a publication by AVTOVAZ’s press service, titled Behind the Wheel. The spokesperson clarified timelines, stating that the Niva Legend was expected to return to broader production in July, followed by Niva Travel in August. These timelines reflect a cautious but deliberate ramp-up aimed at stabilizing output amid ongoing supply constraints.
Industry observers note that the recent testing phase demonstrates AVTOVAZ’s commitment to keeping core models in production with a leaner component set. By maintaining essential functions while removing certain safety and connectivity features, the company aims to preserve manufacturing continuity and manage costs more effectively during periods of component scarcity.
The strategic approach also highlights how regional auto manufacturers adapt to global supply chain pressures. By leveraging domestically sourced components and simplified configurations, AVTOVAZ seeks to maintain serviceability, ensure availability for customers, and protect the brand’s market presence in Russia and neighboring regions. The process includes rigorous verification of safety and reliability for the simplified models, ensuring they meet internal quality standards even as some features are temporarily pared back.
In parallel, AVTOVAZ continues to monitor market feedback and regulatory requirements, adjusting production plans as needed. The company’s leadership emphasizes that the goal is not merely to keep lines moving, but to deliver dependable vehicles that fulfill everyday driving needs. The ongoing evaluation of the Niva family’s simplified variants will inform future decisions about feature sets, certification, and potential phased reintroduction of missing components as supply chains normalize.
Industry voices suggest that the current test batch serves as a practical proof of concept for the anti-crisis strategy. It demonstrates that a well-managed production line can adapt to a leaner specification without compromising the vehicles’ core usability. As AVTOVAZ progresses, observers will watch for results from ongoing tests, customer feedback from early buyers, and any shifts in timing for broader serial assembly across the Niva lineup.