Russian automaker AvtoVAZ has announced a planned restart of mass production for the Lada Largus, with manufacturing set to resume on May 15. The rollout will take place at the Izhevsk facility, where the company aims to reestablish steady output after a period of pause. This move comes as part of AvtoVAZ’s broader strategy to boost domestic production and strengthen its portfolio of practical, value-oriented vehicles for the Russian market. The firm’s spokespersons indicated that May 15 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Largus line in Izhevsk, and they hinted at further developments in the near term that could expand local manufacturing capabilities (company statements).
During a later briefing, representatives confirmed that not only would May 15 see the revival of Largus mass production, but by the third quarter the company also plans to bring the Largus-based Lada e-Largus to a wider production stage. The plan involves introducing the all-electric variant within the established Largus platform, signaling AvtoVAZ’s intent to diversify its offerings while maintaining the familiar, practical characteristics that customers associate with the Largus family (official remarks).
Maxim Sokolov, president of AvtoVAZ, had previously outlined the timeframe for launching a new conveyor dedicated to Largus production in Izhevsk, noting that the system would be established within May though without pinpointing the exact date. He stressed that the project would deliver a modern, comfortable car designed to meet contemporary needs while leveraging the company’s domestic manufacturing footprint. The subsequent communications underscored the emphasis on quality, reliability, and driver-oriented features that aim to appeal to both existing AvtoVAZ customers and new buyers seeking affordable Russian-made mobility (interviews and press briefings).
In recent months AvtoVAZ demonstrated strong momentum in the market, with a record-setting performance in March that surpassed prior benchmarks. The company reported a total of 42,000 Ladas sold, marking a 53.6% increase versus February 2024 and an 83.6% rise compared with March of the previous year. The result highlighted the continued demand for AvtoVAZ models amid competitive pricing and expanding product lines. The Vesta family led sales for the period, with nearly 12,000 units moved, representing the strongest showing for the model line since June 2021 and underscoring the renewed customer interest in mid-size sedans that blend practicality with modern features (sales briefing and market data).
Following Vesta, the Granta family ranked second in sales, posting around 20,400 units and registering a 59.5% growth compared with February. The Niva family trailed in third, with sales reaching about 10,000 units, reflecting continued appetite for the brand’s rugged utility models. This performance pattern illustrates AvtoVAZ’s ability to balance traditional best-sellers with newer configurations while advancing its domestic production agenda and expanding its service network to support increased output and after-sales activity (monthly sales report and market analysis).
Aside from production and sales figures, AvtoVAZ has also pursued digital initiatives aimed at improving customer experience and expanding brand reach. The company recently launched the mobile application known as Lada World, a tool designed to connect owners with product information, service options, and brand-related content. The app’s introduction aligns with the broader strategy to integrate digital touchpoints into the ownership lifecycle, fostering stronger engagement and loyalty among Lada customers across Russia and potentially beyond (corporate announcements).
As AvtoVAZ moves forward with May’s production restart and the anticipated expansion of the Largus family, industry observers will be watching how the company translates these operational steps into sustained market performance. The combination of renewed factory activity, a planned electric variant, and enhanced customer interfaces signals a coordinated effort to reinforce domestic manufacturing capacity while answering growing demand for affordable, locally produced vehicles. The ongoing dynamics will likely influence supplier relationships, dealer networks, and vehicle mix in the months ahead, shaping AvtoVAZ’s position within the broader Russian automotive landscape (expert analysis and company updates).