Recent reports indicate that some Russian taxi fleets are integrating modified Lada Granta cars that lack key safety features such as airbags and anti-lock braking systems. Production of these stripped-down vehicles began around June this year, after Western sanctions disrupted access to critical electronics. Classified ads now offer these cars for taxi work, often advertised as ready-to-run vehicles.
Fleet managers have started replenishing their numbers with these simplified Grantas. At a Samara-based Eldorado taxi depot, staff confirmed the availability of several cars under daily rental terms. “Come to the office; there will be cars,” was the message. “Payment is 1450 rubles per day. Yandex accepts them, but we do not have other collectors,” the company stated.
A Chelyabinsk resident named Ivan bought a simplified Granta without ABS, airbags or air conditioning, but equipped with gas, and now rents it out for taxi work at roughly 1300–1400 rubles per day. He noted that the vehicle is fully certified and legal to operate within the Russian Federation only.
“I only have one car, but I am a legitimate operator,” the host added.
A Nizhny Novgorod company named Yaarc, which previously offered complete Granta vehicles, still has full cars in stock but plans to introduce simplified versions later. “Yes, we plan to buy such cars, but we are waiting for clarity on timing. Their production has just begun. There should be no trouble connecting to the collectors—the power steering and power windows are present,” said a spokesman for Yaarc.
Automobile dealers also confirm the spread of simplified Granta models among taxi operators. “There are preliminary shipments in St. Petersburg, with several already sold for taxi use. Such cars are also in demand by medical services,” explained Alexander Shaprinsky, director of development for the Pragmatika group.
In general, the lowered environmental class and the absence of airbags and ABS have driven demand for the simplified Lada Granta, particularly for participation in state soft-loan programs that favor these configurations. Some units are likely to be deployed in taxi fleets, according to industry insiders. The Maxim taxi service, a major regional player, confirmed that these vehicles are eligible to operate under the Economy tariff. “Roughly 400 Granta units from 2022 are connected to the Maxim platform. We do not segment by production month or confirm exact configurations for Economy cars,” a Maxim spokesperson stated.
Most of these vehicles are expected to operate in Central Russia, while a representative for the collector indicated limited demand in the Far East due to regional market factors. Attempts to obtain further comment from other large taxi aggregators on the feasibility of using Granta taxis with simplified safety systems were not immediately successful at press time.
Andrey Popkov, head of the interregional Taxi Driver union, warned that regional fleets may be forced to adopt these vehicles due to a lack of alternatives. “There are no such cars in Moscow yet, but this Granta variant will be used in the regions. What if nothing else is available?” he asked. He suggested that collectors would monitor usage closely to maximize profits.
What is the danger of such a taxi?
Popkov noted that while comfort levels may be similar to older models, operating these cars requires greater driver professionalism and training. Kirill Yankov, head of the Travelers Union, agreed that a switch from ABS-equipped vehicles to simplified models might necessitate an additional driving assessment.
Industry observers point out that taxis often operate for 3–5 years, during which all standard safety systems have been expected. Drivers accustomed to electronic aids may struggle when those aids are absent. The transition to a vehicle without electronic assistance demands a higher skill level from the driver. “This situation is unsettling and could nudge accident numbers upward if drivers are unprepared,” Yankov warned.
Experts emphasize that the absence of airbags significantly lowers a vehicle’s safety margin in a crash. A representative from the National Automobile Association underscored that a car without airbags offers far less protection, and the risk of severe injury increases dramatically.
Oleg Shatov, head of a driving skills program in Kazan, argued that drivers not trained to operate without electronic aids may pose safety risks on the road. Even seasoned drivers can struggle when electronics are removed, potentially widening the risk zone for accidents.