In March 2024, a limited run of Lada Granta cars with automatic transmissions was reported to be sourced from the Japanese supplier Jatco. The information came from a post by a public figure on the VKontakte social network and circulated among automotive circles in Russia.
The estimate described a batch of roughly one thousand units intended to satisfy a government order. A pile of Jatco automatic gearboxes had been found during the rebuilding of AvtoVAZ’s pilot production facility, which had briefly served as a temporary storage site. The Lada Granta models in question were said to feature 98 horsepower engines paired with the Jatco automatic transmission.
During the period when AvtoVAZ was under the Renault-Nissan alliance, Granta cars equipped with a four-speed Jatco automatic transmission had been produced in larger numbers. This backstory provides context for the potential reintroduction of an automatic option in the current line, aligning the model with historical configurations that have appeared in the brand’s lineup before.
Observers note that the topic of automatic transmission options for the Granta is one that often prompts strong opinions among buyers. Many potential customers weigh the advantages of automatic gear shifting against the maintenance and reliability considerations associated with older transmission technology, which continues to influence buying decisions across the market.
Speculation and official disclosures alike point to the possibility that these automatic Granta units are intended to refresh or expand the model’s appeal in segments that favor ease of use and modern conveniences in daily driving. The interplay between supplier relationships, government orders, and the evolution of manufacturing capabilities at AvtoVAZ shapes the trajectory of such a release. As the automaker evaluates production scales, supply chain readiness, and consumer demand, the likelihood of additional automatic versions could hinge on performance data gathered from this limited batch. In Canadian and American markets, where consumer preference often tilts toward automatic transmissions for urban commuting and long highway drives, this move may be watched closely by distributors and enthusiasts alike. This context helps explain why a headline about a small, controlled introduction can carry lots of implications for the brand’s future options. Attribution: industry reports and social media notices cited by automotive analysts.