AvtoVAZ Plans to Produce Lada Granta Models with Automatic Transmissions
AvtoVAZ has announced a production plan to build up to five thousand Lada Granta cars fitted with automatic transmissions. The information comes to light through reports attributed to the manufacturer. The goal is to expand the lineup of Granta variants and meet anticipated demand across different channels.
According to the company, a portion of the forthcoming vehicles will be allocated to social services while another portion will be directed to retail networks. The distribution strategy appears to balance public sector needs with consumer access, ensuring a steady supply for government agencies and individual buyers alike.
In preparation for this shift, AvtoVAZ will outfit the Granta family with Jatco automatic transmissions drawn from existing stock. Previously, the Lada Granta family relied exclusively on a five speed manual gearbox. The transition to automatic transmission marks a notable modernization step for the lineup and aligns with broader industry trends toward improved ease of use and accessibility for a wider customer base.
Initial reports indicated that around one thousand Granta units would be produced to fulfill a government order. During a recent reconstruction project at AvtoVAZs pilot production facility, a stock of Jatco automatics was uncovered. For a period, the space was used as a storage area, highlighting the companys efforts to optimize its resource allocation and reduce downtime as production capabilities ramp up. The updated Granta models with automatic transmission are planned to be powered by engines delivering close to 98 horsepower, a configuration intended to balance performance with efficiency for everyday use.
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Industry observers in Russia and beyond are watching AvtoVAZs strategy for opportunities to align its product portfolio with consumer preferences and government procurement programs. By leveraging existing transmission stock and integrating a modern automatic option into the Granta lineup, the automaker aims to broaden appeal without sacrificing efficiency or reliability. The initiative reflects a careful balancing act between public sector commitments and private market demand, set against a backdrop of ongoing adjustments in the auto industry to meet evolving regulatory and consumer requirements. This approach may also influence future product development, supplier relations, and production planning as AvtoVAZ continues to expand its capabilities and adapt to changing market conditions.
Source notes and public statements attributed to the manufacturer indicate a deliberate emphasis on reliability, accessibility, and practical value. The next steps for AvtoVAZ will involve finalizing assembly line configurations, completing quality assurance checks for the automatic variants, and coordinating distribution channels to ensure timely delivery to both government partners and retail customers. The broader market context suggests a growing appetite for vehicles that combine familiar design with modern transmission technology, a trend likely to guide future model updates and special procurements alike.