President Vladimir Putin called for all Russian officials to use domestically produced vehicles. The call came during a meeting with leaders of the manufacturing sector.
Ministries, departments, and administrative bodies were urged to stop relying on foreign cars and to shift focus toward Russian-made options. Putin stated clearly that the practice of purchasing foreign vehicles should be abolished and that officials across the country should drive domestic cars.
According to him, adopting homegrown automobiles would spur the development of Russia’s auto industry. He acknowledged that the transition might be modest at first, and that is acceptable. The overall aim, he noted, is to push for growth in domestic brands, domestic cars, and other products manufactured in Russia.
Putin also said that while imports would not be completely shut off, essential goods consumed within the country should be directed toward Russian producers.
Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov responded by saying the president’s words would be carried through and that vehicles allocated to authorities would be provided. He stated that working vehicles would not be disposed of until they were worn out, emphasizing service to the public.
Putin then urged a test drive as part of the broader initiative.
Maxim Sokolov, head of AvtoVAZ, attended the meeting and outlined plans to roll out four new products over the next two years. The lineup includes an urban crossover based on the Vesta platform, an electric Lada Iskra, a business-class sedan called Lada Aura, and a more economical model. Sokolov extended an invitation to the president to test the Lada Iskra, calling it a significant milestone for AvtoVAZ.
In past years, the president himself tested new models on public roads, including the Lada Vesta in 2015 and a Lada Kalina during a tenure as prime minister in 2010 along the Khabarovsk-Chita highway.
The notion of using domestically produced cars for state vehicles has circulated for some time. The idea gained traction again after Western automakers limited supply amid geopolitical tensions. In July, Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, urged regulations compelling authorities at all levels to use Russian-made cars. He suggested the Duma fleet could be replenished with Lada and Moskvich models at the earliest opportunity, echoing remarks heard during discussions with Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. This viewpoint was echoed by lawmakers in various parties, who pointed to the strategic value of reducing reliance on foreign brands in official fleets.
During discussions at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, finance officials and executives from major banks examined new models such as the Lada Aura. An notable moment involved the car’s performance, with some technical hiccups noted during demonstrations, drawing explanations from AvtoVAZ about gear engagement after initial stops.
Today, the country’s top leadership frequently uses Aurus limousines, a line produced in Yelabuga, Tatarstan. President Putin first rode an Aurus at the 2018 inauguration, and since 2019 these cars have become a common feature in Victory parades and in the Prime Minister’s convoy. Governors have also employed Aurus Senat vehicles for official duties since 2020, including high-profile inauguration ceremonies for regional leaders, underscoring the growing role of domestically manufactured luxury vehicles in state functions.