AvtoVAZ has taken a big step towards launching the brand new Lada Azimut. The plant has fully completed another stage of production modernization. The enterprise completed 15,361 tasks, invested 543 million rubles of its own funds, launched new unmanned floor transport, and updated equipment for the future production of the crossover.
The work took place from May 1 to May 17, 2026. The AvtoVAZ press service reported that the modernization was completed in full. The main part of the updates is related to preparing for the production of Lada Azimut. For this, the enterprise modernized the flanging equipment and the polishing line in the paint shop.
AvtoVAZ showed the first pre-production Lada Azimut in April. Serial production of the crossover is expected in September, and sales are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.
At launch, the Lada Azimut will be offered with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 120 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission. A version with a 1.8-liter engine with 132 hp paired with a variator is also expected.
The initial versions will only have front-wheel drive. The crossover should receive modern digital technologies: multimedia with GigaChat and Sber services, full LED optics, surround view cameras, an electric tailgate, and a panoramic roof.
A powerful hybrid all-wheel drive version with 390 hp and a plug-in module is also expected.
The modernization affected not only the future Lada Azimut. On the Granta and Iskra production lines, the processes for preparing assembly kits were optimized. On line No. 1, where Vesta and Aura are produced, the transition to automated welding tongs was completed. New welding equipment was installed on the Niva line.
In the production of new 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines, 10 automated machining centers were launched.
