The products of the Russian automotive industry are consistently strengthening their presence in the Vietnamese market. This was announced by the Trade Representative of Russia in Vietnam, Vyacheslav Kharinov, summarizing the development of Russian-Vietnamese relations for 2025 at a press conference in Hanoi. According to him, automobiles and solutions in the field of high technology are becoming one of the key areas of bilateral economic cooperation.
Kharinov cited the GAZ THANH DAT auto assembly plant, established in 2019 with the support of the governments of the two countries, as one of the most illustrative examples of successful industrial cooperation. For six years now, GAZ vehicles have been consolidating their position in the Vietnamese market, while simultaneously developing exports to other countries in the region. In addition to GAZ, the Russian manufacturer KamAZ also operates in Vietnam, which forms a stable base for the presence of the domestic automotive industry in the republic.
Against this background, the entry of the flagship of the Russian passenger car industry, the AvtoVAZ concern, into the Vietnamese market is being worked out. According to Kharinov, the start of retail sales of Lada cars in Vietnam is planned for 2026. Preparatory work is already underway, including the creation of an official representative office, the search for potential partners, and the testing of cars in local climatic conditions.
As part of this stage, AvtoVAZ sent nine Lada cars of various models and modifications to Vietnam. These cars are intended for certification and obtaining all the necessary permits to enter the local market. According to unofficial information, the delivery included Lada Granta, Vesta, Niva Legend and Niva Travel.
News of the brand's entry into the local market has become significant for many Vietnamese car enthusiasts: in the 1980s and 1990s, Lada cars, including models 2107 and Niva, were well known and widely used in the country. As part of the return to the market, Lada Granta and Vesta are presented in the sedan segment, as well as Niva Legend and Niva Travel SUVs. The cost of sedans is expected to start at approximately 360 million VND, and SUVs at approximately 390 million VND. This price level is considered attractive and comparable to offers for A-segment cars.
Lada Granta is considered an affordable B-segment sedan, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine and a manual or automatic transmission. The model is aimed at a mass buyer with basic transportation needs and low operating costs and will compete, in particular, with Mitsubishi Attrage.
Lada Vesta also belongs to the B-segment, but is positioned as a more modern and prestigious sedan with an updated design and an expanded set of amenities. In this class, it will have to compete with models such as Toyota Vios and Hyundai Accent.
In the SUV segment, the Lada Niva Legend retains its classic look with a two-door body and permanent all-wheel drive, targeting off-road and retro style enthusiasts. Niva Travel is a more modern five-door version, distinguished by greater practicality while maintaining the proprietary all-wheel drive scheme.
The appearance of photographs of Lada cars arriving in Vietnamese ports caused a noticeable response. The return of the brand is actively discussed on social networks, automotive forums and in the media, and many express interest and enthusiasm. At the same time, restrained assessments are also heard. It is noted that the design of the cars looks quite simple, the equipment is limited, and modern driver assistance systems and advanced safety technologies are absent.
Additional questions are raised by the initial stage of the formation of an official distribution network, which may complicate warranty and service maintenance. All this is happening against the background of fierce competition from Japanese, Korean and Chinese brands that have long been firmly established in the Vietnamese market.