The Renault Duster crossover is slated to be rebranded as a Lada model and will roll off the line at the AVTOVAZ plant in Togliatti. The plan places the new model under the Lada badge, with announcements confirming the agreement between AVTOVAZ and Renault Group through official statements aired on Rossiya 24.
Until recently, the Duster was assembled at Renault Russia. Restyled units began coming off the line in January 2021. In April 2022, Renault production at the plant largely paused, with the exception of Arkana and Kaptur, and by May 16 it was disclosed that future models would be produced under the Moskvich nameplate instead.
AVTOVAZ has faced significant component shortages. The company has been adjusting by planning simplified variants built on its own platforms. Those adaptations may lack some electronic systems and could use engines that meet a lower environmental class than before.
Currently, both AvtoVAZ production sites in Togliatti and Izhevsk are idle following the May holidays, with restart plans unsettled. In addition to the Lada lineup, the Togliatti facility previously produced Renault Logan and Sandero, both vehicles sharing a common platform with the Duster crossover.
- Renault has begun signaling a withdrawal from its Russian assets. On May 16, the Renault Group Board of Directors approved the signing of agreements that transfer 100% of Renault Russia shares and 67.69% of AVTOVAZ to a new owner, FSUE NAMI.
- Updates for enthusiasts were also published on Odnoklassniki under the heading behind the wheel.