The State Duma has received a batch of 33 Lada Vesta automobiles, with deputies expected to begin using them as official transport from this year onward. A source familiar with internal discussions in the lower chamber’s apparatus confirmed this allocation, outlining how the new fleet will be rolled out across the parliamentary body.
Under the plan, ordinary State Duma deputies will have access to the vehicles, but they will not be assigned to individual lawmakers. In contrast, higher-ranking figures within the chamber, including deputy chairmen and faction leaders, are set to utilize the Aurus line. It is anticipated that committee chairmen may receive a refreshed Lada model, with the Aura being the likely option in the mix, signaling a staged distribution across leadership roles.
Lev M. Volodin has publicly framed the policy as a moves toward using exclusively domestically produced cars for official needs. He recalled a commitment made in July 2023 and stressed that Russia will not develop a local automotive sector if the population continues to drive vehicles from other countries. The message emphasizes a strategic preference for homegrown brands as a symbol of national self-reliance in public administration vehicle fleets.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has prepared a recommended list of vehicles suited for civil servants’ official duties. The roster includes Lada, UAZ, Aurus, and Moskvich, reflecting a broad spectrum of domestic manufacturers. Volodin reiterated that the deputies will operate with Lada, Aurus, and Moskvich vehicles, aligning the legislative fleet with the broader state strategy to prioritize homegrown automotive options.
Valentina Matvienko, who chairs the Federation Council, has also defended the use of domestic cars within state institutions. Public remarks by the federation leadership highlighted a transition that mirrors the broader governmental stance: moving away from foreign-brand official vehicles toward models produced within the country. The shift is presented as part of a longer-term effort to sustain and showcase Russia’s automotive industry on the national stage.
Automotive analysts have offered varied perspectives on this policy. One well-known industry expert suggested the move could serve as a practical test of domestic capabilities, while others noted the challenges of balancing cost, performance, and reliability with national manufacturing goals. The discourse around using homegrown cars in official settings continues to evolve as the government weighs procurement choices against broader strategic objectives in industry and technology development.