The Lada AMT transmission is being phased out across the lineup
The automatic transmission known as AMT, also called the VAZ-2182 robotic unit, will no longer appear on new Lada cars. This change comes from an official note by AVTOVAZ’s press service, reported by Lada.Online. In the near future, every model in the domestic brand’s range will be offered exclusively with a manual transmission. (AVTOVAZ press service)
The robotic gearbox first appeared on the Priora back in 2014 and subsequently found its way into the Kalina and Grant, with the newer Vesta and XRAY generations also adopting it. Beginning in 2019, however, AMT started to disappear from the options offered: it was dropped from Vesta, then XRAY a year later, as both of those models pivoted to CVTs paired with Nissan engines. Over time, most Grant variants followed suit, with the Granta Cross remaining as the lone exception where the robot persisted. (AVTOVAZ press service)
Older Lada models briefly hosted the AMT, which was a product of collaboration with Renault-Nissan. During that partnership, AVTOVAZ had access to a selection of gearboxes from multiple partners, choosing based on availability and performance. (AVTOVAZ press service)
In the summer of 2022, after production resumed in configurations facing fewer sanctions, Grants were offered only with their own manual transmission. It is noteworthy that the AMT concept itself was once built upon the basic mechanics of a manual layout supplemented by German ZF actuators and a control unit, an arrangement that highlighted the technology’s hybrid nature. (AVTOVAZ press service)
One plausible reason for retiring AMT is supply limitations: the source points to the inability to source ZF components. A second factor cited is consumer demand. The box is said to have represented only about 10 percent of Lada sales, suggesting limited popularity among buyers. (AVTOVAZ press service)
For the Grant family, the AMT offered a two-stage alternative to a Japanese Jatco transmission. With all other factors being equal, a vehicle equipped with the domestic robotic unit would be roughly thirty thousand rubles cheaper than a model with a Japanese automatic. This price gap underscored the AMT’s role as a budget-friendly option within the range, even as demand fluctuated. (AVTOVAZ press service)
Looking ahead, AVTOVAZ’s leadership estimates that it will be at least a year and a half before a new automatic transmission becomes available on Lada cars. The shift away from AMT reflects broader procurement and product strategy considerations as the brand redefines its offerings for the domestic market and beyond. (AVTOVAZ press service)
- According to the president of AVTOVAZ, the timeline for a new automatic remains extended, with at least a year and a half of further development and integration needed before it appears on Lada models.
- Further insights into these developments can be found on the official AVTOVAZ channel and related coverage by automotive outlets. (AVTOVAZ press service)