Russia sees Lada Vesta sales in non-airbag form as brand adapts to part shortages
In the Russian market, sales of the Lada Vesta continue despite the absence of airbags in certain configurations. Reports from Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing a representative from one of the brand’s dealer centers, confirm that these models are available for purchase at a price of 1.46 million rubles. The situation underscores how dealerships are adapting to supply chain constraints while trying to meet demand from buyers who are seeking affordable, locally produced vehicles. The choice to offer Vesta cars without airbags is presented as a deliberate decision tied to current parts availability, and it reflects broader industry adjustments in response to the ongoing challenges facing manufacturers and their supplier networks in Russia’s automotive sector.
Dealers emphasize that the market continues to respond to these vehicles as a pragmatic option for customers who prioritize value and practicality. The pricing point of 1.46 million rubles positions the car within a competitive segment for budget-conscious buyers who require basic transport without the full suite of modern optional safety packages. While airbags are a standard safety feature in many regions, the current local situation demonstrates how carmakers and retailers are navigating shortages by offering variants that still deliver essential mobility, albeit with a reduced feature set. Prospective buyers are advised to verify the exact configuration at the point of purchase, since equipment levels can vary depending on production status and supply chain realities at the time of delivery.
As of December 11, 2023, AvtoVAZ initiated production of Vesta models without airbags to address interruptions in parts supply. This measure is described as a temporary workaround designed to prevent conveyor downtime and to avert the buildup of shortages within the manufacturing facility. By continuing to assemble vehicles in configurations lacking airbags, the company aims to sustain overall output and maintain a steady flow of finished cars to the market. The plan includes continuing this approach into 2024, reflecting a long enough horizon for parts availability to stabilize or for alternative sourcing to become feasible. The decision illustrates how automakers balance safety expectations, production efficiency, and economic constraints during periods of disruption in the supply chain.
When configured in its most basic form, the Vesta is equipped with a gasoline engine delivering 106 horsepower and is paired with a manual transmission. This combination emphasizes simplicity and cost efficiency, appealing to buyers who value straightforward, reliable performance over advanced features. The absence of airbags in the minimalist configuration does not alter the fundamental driving dynamics of the vehicle, yet it signals to customers the tradeoffs involved in choosing a budget-friendly model. The vehicle remains aimed at daily commuting needs, city driving, and short trips where affordability and ease of maintenance are primary considerations for many buyers across the region.
Concurrently, AvtoVAZ has resumed outfitting Lada Granta models with central locking. The upgrade reflects a response to component shortages that previously led to the removal of this feature across all trim levels in February 2023. Central locking is a convenience feature that enhances security and usability for drivers and passengers, especially in urban settings where ease of access matters. The rerelease of central locking across Granta variants indicates a strategic effort to restore popular comfort and security features while managing supply constraints. The broader implication is that the manufacturer is prioritizing essential vehicle functions that customers expect in a modern car, even amid slower-than-normal procurement cycles for certain components.
Earlier communications noted that the Lada Granta, in its top Club version, would receive an upgraded multimedia system and a camera. This anticipated enhancement signals continued modernization of the model lineup, aligning with consumer expectations for improved in-car infotainment, navigation capabilities, and driver-assistance features. The prospect of a multimedia upgrade and camera for the Club variant demonstrates AvtoVAZ’s ongoing commitment to refreshing its most popular models, offering additional value to buyers who are looking for a more complete package without stepping up to higher-priced configurations. In summary, the current environment shows a pragmatic approach to keeping essential vehicles on the road while gradually restoring more advanced amenities as supply chains stabilize and production schedules normalize.