AvtoVAZ plans to supply around 700 vehicles with special modifications for people with disabilities in 2023. This initiative was announced by Denis Manturov, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, according to reports from RIA News. These cars will be prepared for disabled drivers under an order from the Social Insurance Fund, signaling a targeted effort to support mobility for those with reduced mobility (source: RIA News).
Manturov noted that automobiles designed for accessibility represent a relatively narrow segment of the market. Yet, when produced in larger volumes, such vehicles require careful integration into broader production plans. The ministry chief emphasized the importance of aligning capacity with demand, ensuring that the specialized models do not disrupt the efficiency of mass production and supply chains (source: Ministry remarks reported by RIA News).
Looking ahead to 2024, AvtoVAZ aims to raise its overall production by almost 25 percent, targeting roughly 500,000 Lada cars for the year. By the end of the current year, output was projected at 400,000 automobiles. However, Maxim Sokolov, the president of the company, indicated that sanctions have strained logistics and financial networks, which could lead to a downward revision of about 10 percent to the plan (source: company statements and official updates as cited by RIA News).
As the domestic automotive sector navigates these pressures, residents of Russia continue to question when local cars might become more affordable. The evolving scenario reflects a broader effort to stabilize production, manage costs, and expand access to vehicles that meet the needs of disabled users while maintaining financial viability for the manufacturer (source: industry coverage via RIA News).