Following the separation between AvtoVAZ and Renault Group, the plan for expanding the Lada model range is undergoing notable shifts. The Russian carmaker had to drop several joint initiatives, yet new projects are taking shape. Earlier statements from President Maxim Sokolov referenced a fresh platform for Lada vehicles, a new C-class family, and a crossover built on the Lada Vesta foundation.
In an interview with the analytical agency Avtostat, Dmitry Kostromin, vice president of sales and marketing at AvtoVAZ, shared fresh details about how the domestic brand is evolving its lineup. He highlighted the near-term prospects for developing the Vesta platform and expanding the model family.
“All work on these initiatives remains active. Market data show that the SUV segment dominates the Russian automotive market. The Lada line currently has limited representation there, primarily through the Niva family, and there is a clear aim to strengthen involvement in this category. The next SUV is expected to be built on the Lada Vesta platform,” Kostromin stated.
The discussion points to a truly new model that would ride on AVTOVAZ’s own engineering platform. At present, the Vesta line includes some elevated station wagons with limited four-wheel-drive capability, but the presence of a four-wheel-drive version on the upcoming model remains undecided. As for the Vesta itself, production on the Togliatti assembly line is planned to resume in the early part of 2023.
Looking ahead to the same year, AVTOVAZ aims to address component shortages that followed sanctions. Some of these gaps are expected to be filled not merely through localization efforts but also by securing supplies from Asia-Pacific regions. The goal is to restore much of the pre-crisis model lineup while sustaining production momentum.
- “Nearly all models,” Kostromin noted, “will be brought back closer to their original configurations, with adjustments as needed for current market conditions.”
- “Behind the Wheel” can be accessed on Odnoklassniki through a dedicated channel.
Industry watchers in Canada and the United States may wonder how these shifts could influence imports, pricing, and aftersales in North American markets. While the immediate focus is domestic, the strategic move toward a stronger SUV presence and a Vesta-based platform signals potential pathways for expanded export opportunities in the future. The emphasis on a self-developed platform suggests greater control over engineering and procurement, which could translate into more predictable supply chains and, potentially, more robust regional commitments if demand grows. As the company adapts to new geopolitical realities and global supply dynamics, observers in North America will be watching closely to gauge whether these moves will open doors for Lada vehicles or related sub-brands in the Canadian and American markets. The outcome will hinge on factors such as homologation timelines, certification hurdles, and the ability to meet North American safety and emission standards, alongside competitive pricing strategies that appeal to diverse consumer segments across Canada and the United States.