In Nizhny Novgorod, serial production of a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission for Volga cars is planned to begin in 2028. The project envisages the localization of key component production, with the share of Russian parts in the engine and automatic transmission expected to reach 80%.

The project is being implemented as part of the further localization of Volga cars at the Nizhny Novgorod site of AO "Proizvodstvo Legkovykh Avtomobiley" (PLA). Information about the plans is contained in materials for the Russian President's working trip to the Nizhny Novgorod region.

The new engine will be created based on modern international technologies and adapted for Volga cars. The exact characteristics of the power unit – power, torque, and fuel consumption – have not yet been disclosed. The manufacturer states that it aims to balance these parameters during development.

In Nizhny Novgorod, not only engine assembly and testing will be organized, but also the production of a number of key parts. At the same time, it is planned to master the production of components for the 8-speed automatic transmission.

In the future, the 2.0-liter engine is intended to be used as a basis for other power plants. Plans include a gas modification and a hybrid version.

Currently, Volga cars are produced at the Nizhny Novgorod plant with a capacity of up to 110,000 vehicles per year. The first cars rolled off the assembly line in December 2025, and serial production started in April 2026. The current lineup includes the C50 sedan and K40 and K50 crossovers.