On June 8, AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti plant restarted car assembly after an extended pause. To date, only one model is actively rolling off the line — the Grant — now produced in a simplified Classic’22 configuration described by the company as an anti-crisis version. The question remains: what happens with the other models — Niva Legend and Travel, Largus, XRAY, and Lada Vesta from Izhevsk — and when will they return to production?
It is apparent that the full lineup will reappear as alternative suppliers are secured to replace retired components and as logistics are aligned with the new partners. Additionally, the anti-crisis configurations, similar to the Grant Classic’22, will be rolled out as part of the restart plan. This process takes time, according to information reported by the Lada.Online portal, which cited its own industry sources.
Restart conditions for Lada model production
- Niva Legend — planned for July 2022;
- Niva Travel — planned for August 2022;
- Largus — expected early 2023 (the engine and transmission are in place, but ABS remains a bottleneck; a supplier from China is under consideration);
- XRAY — to align with Largus timelines (production may be curtailed if localization remains low);
- Vesta — anticipated early 2023 (a potential shift of assembly from Izhevsk to Tolyatti is being evaluated).
The source clarified that the updated Vesta NG will only commence after the resumption of assembly for the existing models — particularly Vesta in its current form. It is noted that Maxim Sokolov stated at the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Vesta NG production would start in early 2023, a timeline subject to the broader restart schedule (source: industry briefings reported by Lada.Online).
- In the meantime, the company is evaluating new eight-valve Grants and assessing what issues might arise in practical use.
- Updates on driving performance are now available for viewing on RuTube (print and video materials referenced by the outlet).
Industry observers point out that the reshaping of supply chains and the reintroduction of several models depend heavily on stabilizing procurement, localization efforts, and the readiness of key components. While the Grant remains the initial proof of production continuity, the broader lineup will require careful coordination with suppliers and an extended ramp-up period. Analysts emphasize that the transition plan hinges on securing reliable suppliers and ensuring compatibility across platforms, which in turn influences the timing of each model’s return to the assembly line. The company continues to monitor market demand and regional logistics as it advances the rollout, with public statements often framed around durability, affordability, and practical performance for everyday use. (Source: industry reports and company briefings cited by Lada.Online and related outlets)