Production Strategy and Transmission Options for AVTOVAZ’s Vesta NG
Following the move of production to Togliatti, Vesta NG intends to preserve as many available features as possible, including ABS and airbags. Some options, however, may require customers to wait. In particular, the ESC stability control system is slated for a later rollout, with development of an in-house automatic transmission described as a highly challenging undertaking by Maxim Sokolov, head of AVTOVAZ, in an interview with the long-standing automotive publication Za Rulem.
If AVTOVAZ pursues an internal transmission program, estimates suggest a minimum development period of three to four years. To justify such an investment, the company would need to secure high-volume production and acquire expensive, specialized equipment. This is a significant hurdle that impacts both cost structure and timing for rolling out a domestically developed gearbox.
A second path considers licensing a transmission design for Russia or for the broader customs union, in collaboration with other manufacturers. The possibility of partnerships with Chinese, Iranian, or Indian producers was highlighted by Sokolov. Yet, he noted that the process faces several hurdles that will take time to resolve, including regulatory alignments and supply chain considerations.
Licensing a transmission also naturally entails sourcing many components from overseas. Synchronization rings, friction clutches, gears, shafts, materials, and technology all come into play. AVTOVAZ believes these challenges are manageable but require engagement with various industrial segments, such as rubber product manufacturers, metallurgists, and providers of surface treatment and heat treatment services. In this regard, the company is coordinating with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to arrive at a coherent, practical solution, though progress is gradual, as stated by Sokolov.
Licensed transmissions offer a broad compatibility with multiple models, delivering a universal solution that benefits from economies of scale through the procurement of common components. This approach supports lower production costs and easier stocking of parts, which AVTOVAZ views as a strategic advantage. Based on internal projections, AVTOVAZ could secure a licensed automatic transmission within approximately eighteen months to a year and a half, depending on regulatory clearance and supplier readiness.
Earlier in discussions with AVTOVAZ leadership, there were clear explanations about the cost implications of developing an in-house automatic gearbox, including capital expenditures, testing, and validation expenses. These factors influence strategic choices about whether to pursue a domestic design or to pursue licensing as a faster route to market. The company has emphasized that both options are being pursued in parallel as part of a broader plan to strengthen its domestic engineering capabilities while maintaining competitive vehicle offerings for customers in Russia and neighboring regions.
- There is ongoing commentary from Maxim Sokolov regarding the investment required to develop a native automatic transmission.
- Licensing discussions and updates can be observed in AVTOVAZ public briefings and industry reports.