By the close of 2024, AVTOVAZ is planning to begin producing a new Lada B-class family, while the existing Grant will stay in the lineup. The upcoming model will target a slightly higher segment, allowing the Grant to vacate the low-cost space. Yet, after an anti-sanctions restart in the engine line, production is limited to an eight-valve 90 horsepower configuration.
Turning to the more capable 16-valve engines, it is worth recalling that Grants have previously offered a 98-horsepower variant paired with a Jatco automatic transmission, and a 106-horsepower variant matched with a manual transmission. AVTOVAZ president Maxim Sokolov discussed these engine plans with Maxim Kadakov, the editor-in-chief of Za Rulem, shedding light on the company’s strategic direction.
For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the company currently produces only the VAZ‑11182 8-valve engine. In the first half of 2023, AVTOVAZ aimed to launch a 16-valve engine, signaling a move toward higher efficiency and performance.
There is little doubt that restarting 16-valve engine production would face challenges, including sourcing components from foreign suppliers. Key items such as Federal Mogul pistons and Bosch injectors pose potential supply risks during the transition.
The head of the enterprise cautioned that the French HR16 engine, which had partial presence at AVTOVAZ before the crisis, could not be mastered in the near term. Nevertheless, AVTOVAZ has identified other options, details of which are expected to be disclosed in due course.
- AVTOVAZ announced a substantial recruitment push, aiming to hire up to 4,000 people for a variety of roles across manufacturing and support functions.
- The magazine Behind the Wheel is accessible via Odnoklassniki, serving as a channel for updates and insights.