The question of which cars Russian officials choose often centers on affordability, practicality, and reliability. According to RIA News, the most budget-friendly option among official vehicles is the Lada Granta. The report notes that Lada Granta’s price begins at about 700,000 rubles, positioning it as the baseline choice for officials who require dependable transport without overspending. In addition to the Granta, a few other AvtoVAZ models frequently come up in discussions about official fleets, offering a step up in features while maintaining affordability.
For officials seeking a bit more polish without a dramatic price jump, the Lada Vesta starts from roughly 1.24 million rubles. The Vesta SW Cross, which combines wagon practicality with rugged styling, is listed from about 1.5 million rubles. These options are often recommended for civil servants who need more cargo space or a sedan that balances comfort with efficiency. Another popular choice in the same family is the Lada Niva Travel, priced from around 1.1 million rubles, followed by the Lada Niva Legend at approximately 830,000 rubles. These models appeal to officials who require versatile driving in varied terrain while preserving overall cost efficiency.
At the higher end of government-approved fleets sit vehicles from the luxury segment, notably the Aurus lineup. The Aurus Senat and Aurus Komendant are reported to be among the most expensive options on the list, approaching 39–40 million rubles each in the market. These models symbolize a significant premium in the official vehicle ecosystem, typically reserved for roles that demand executive-level presence and advanced security features beyond the standard fleet choices.
Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation compiled a roster of vehicles deemed suitable for priority use by civil servants for official duties. The list covers several brands and trims, aimed at standardizing what officials drive across different agencies. For passenger cars, the lineup includes models from Lada (Vesta, Vesta SW Cross, Granta, Niva Travel, Niva Legend), UAZ (Patriot, Pickup, Profi, Hunter, SGR), and Aurus (Senat, Komendant). Other brands mentioned include Moskvich (models 3, 3e, 6), Evolute (I-Pro, I-Joy, I-Sky), and Haval (Jolion, Dargo, F7/F7x, H9). The intention behind this list is to guide procurement toward domestic and local manufacturers while ensuring a range of price points and capabilities suitable for various official tasks.
On August 3, President Vladimir Putin stated that ministry and agency officials should prioritize the use of domestic cars. This pledge underscores a broader government strategy to support homegrown automotive industries and reduce dependence on imports for official fleets. The aim is to align procurement with national industrial policy while still meeting the practical needs of public service.
Earlier reports also suggested that AvtoVAZ could adjust its production plans in response to spare parts availability, with considerations around the Granta’s future production. As the automotive landscape shifts, officials and policymakers are balancing concerns about parts supply with the desire to maintain a domestic supply chain that supports local manufacturers and workers. The evolving conversation reflects a broader emphasis on self-reliance within the country’s public sector fleet decisions.