The main components are brought in from neighboring China.
In 2026, two models are set to start rolling out of the AvtoVAZ workshops. Production of the Lada Azimut crossover is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with sales starting in the fourth quarter.
There are no surprises in the technical specifications: a modernized platform from the Vesta, familiar engines, and a Chinese transmission. However, the price remains a mystery. According to the company's head, Maxim Sokolov, even he does not know the price.
— We will hold off on the Azimut price until the last moment. It’s too early to talk about it.
The situation is complicated: Chinese crossovers are squeezing even the more affordable Lada Vesta. The Azimut risks being left out of the market altogether.
The second new model consists of Chinese vans and minibuses under the SKM brand, assembled in Tolyatti. These are renamed vehicles from the SRM Jinhaishi family by the Shineray Group. Crossovers from this manufacturer are already being produced at the Kaliningrad 'Avtotor' under the SWM brand. Try not to get confused by all these abbreviations.
Technically, these are very simple vehicles with small atmospheric gasoline engines, rear-wheel drive, and a dependent rear suspension. They are sized between the Lada Largus and the Gazelle.
Again, the price has not yet been announced, but there is already a direct competitor in Russia — the Sollers SF1 cargo van (which is a renamed JAC, assembled in the city of Yelabuga) priced at 2.15 million rubles, or about 25,000 euros.
With the development of localization of Chinese cars in the Russian Federation, competition for the most expensive Lada models is intensifying. The Lada Iskra is starting to attract buyers only from the Vesta and Granta — there are simply no Chinese cars in its price segment. Under such conditions, without a technical revolution and a review of prices, AvtoVAZ will find it very difficult to meet its plan of 400,000 cars.
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