The Izhevsk plant, part of AvtoVAZ, has begun producing a pilot batch of Lada Largus minibuses. The initial run will include five vehicles, with all units slated for release by the end of the current week. This measured start marks the first phase of a broader testing period for the model’s operational readiness and manufacturing workflows at the new site.
A pilot production plan is in place to grow to roughly 80 cars by May. During this phase, the team will validate full-cycle production technologies, train staff, and confirm equipment settings and parameters. The aim is to ensure the Izhevsk facility can sustain reliable output and meet quality standards before scaling further, according to statements from AvtoVAZ’s leadership. The project underscores a deliberate transition in which processes are refined and personnel become proficient with the new line before any larger commitments are made.
Earlier, in mid-August 2023, AvtoVAZ announced the end of Lada Largus production in Tolyatti. In the autumn, equipment was relocated to the Izhevsk plant as part of a plan to resume Largus production there in 2024. The shift aligns with broader production strategy aimed at increasing Vesta output at the company’s main plant in Tolyatti, balancing capacity across sites.
The move of Largus to Izhevsk and the initiation of production are projected to require an additional investment of about 2 billion rubles. This funding is intended to support the transition, upgrade machinery, and optimize the new assembly line to meet anticipated demand and quality targets.
Previously, AvtoVAZ had indicated near-total localization of the Lada Granta and Lada Niva lines, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand domestic content and reduce reliance on imports. The broader localization strategy remains a core element of the company’s production roadmap as it adapts to market conditions and seeks to strengthen supply chain resilience.
According to the AvtoVAZ press service, the staged approach to Largus reflects careful planning and a focus on operational excellence. The company intends to monitor performance closely during the pilot phase, making data-driven adjustments to maximize productivity and product reliability as the Izhevsk operation scales up.