Maxim Sokolov, the head of AvtoVAZ, affirmed that the domestic auto industry has sufficient Lada vehicles to meet the needs of Russian officials. This perspective was reported by life.ru as part of ongoing discussions about the role of homegrown cars in government fleets.
According to Sokolov, the year’s production plan targets exceed 500,000 vehicles. He noted the impending activation of the Largus production line in Izhevsk in May, highlighting plans for a modern, comfortable model to roll off the line. In addition, he mentioned the St. Petersburg plant, underscoring that the Lada brand and its sub-brands will be ample to supply authorities at federal and regional levels alike. The underlying message is a commitment to prioritizing domestic models for official use, a strategic move framed as reducing reliance on imports and strengthening national industry, as explained in statements reported by life.ru.
In July 2023, Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma, urged MPs to decide that only domestic cars such as Moskvich, Lada, and Aurus should serve as official vehicles. He stressed that a true, self-sustaining auto sector would not emerge if Russians continue to drive vehicles from unfriendly countries. This stance reflects a broader policy conversation about transport sovereignty and the strategic value of keeping government fleets aligned with local manufacturers, a topic covered by life.ru.
Further reinforcing the domestic automotive agenda, President Vladimir Putin, speaking on August 3, 2023, called for ministry officials to use vehicles produced within Russia. The emphasis on national suppliers signals a broader objective to bolster domestic engineering and manufacturing leadership across government channels, with coverage of these remarks noted by life.ru.
From the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s side, a list has been prepared outlining preferred mechanisms for civil servants to use for official purposes. The catalog includes well-known Russian brands Lada, UAZ, Aurus, and Moskvich, indicating a deliberate prioritization of locally developed vehicles in official fleets. This strategic document aligns with the government’s push to accelerate domestic automotive production and reduce foreign dependence, a development chronicled by life.ru.
Previously, AvtoVAZ announced that the Lada Iskra would be showcased for the first time at SPIEF 2024, signaling continued momentum in domestic product introductions and the expansion of the Lada lineup. Observers note that such presentations serve to illustrate the industry’s capacity to innovate at scale and to refresh the public and official perception of homegrown mobility solutions, as reported by life.ru.