The enterprise long known as Renault Russia has undergone ownership and naming changes, with the Moskvich plant transitioning to new control and the broader Moscow area preparing to restart production under a revived domestic brand. Officials indicate that manufacturing should begin before the year closes, signaling a notable shift in the region’s automotive landscape.
Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Behind the Wheel, shared insights on the likely model lineup and, beyond that, outlined the plans for another key facility, the Togliatti-based AvtoVAZ plant, regarding Renault models in the near term. Kadakov’s analysis suggests a strategy that blends legacy Renault platforms with a measurable localization effort across production sites.
Existing Duster production is expected to move to AVTOVAZ, with strong indications that the Lada West Togliatti site may be the former GM-AVTOVAZ facility, whose production had previously wound down. Kadakov also noted the potential for a new Logan to bear the Lada emblem, reflecting a broader branding and manufacturing alignment. These observations were discussed on the Behind the Wheel channel via Yandex.Zen, aligning with the evolving corporate structure.
On May 16, Renault Group disclosed it had sold the remaining stake in AVTOVAZ, totaling 67.69 percent, with the State Research Center of the Russian Federation FSUE NAMI taking over as the new owner. This transfer reshapes strategic objectives for the Zavod complex and sets a new direction for future collaborations with local partners and suppliers.
In the European market, the third generation Renault Logan has already entered under the Dacia brand, which Renault owns and operates as a separate badge. In Russia, AVTOVAZ had previously produced Renault Logan and Sandero in their latest generation until May 2022. The current plan envisions the next generation being produced under the Lada brand, with localization work that had been prepared for Tolyatti now integrated into the Lada lineup. This evolution reflects both market demands and the push for domestic branding continuity.
- With AVTOVAZ currently in a standstill, manufacturing facilities in Tolyatti and Izhevsk have not resumed operations following the May holidays, signaling a measured ramp-up as ownership shifts are completed.
- Updates and further insights from Behind the Wheel remain accessible through Odnoklassniki, where readers can follow ongoing developments as the regional plants transition to new ownership and branding strategies.