AvtoVAZ will establish production at the Nissan plant and reduce the production of Lada Niva Legend

The empty Nissan plant in St. Petersburg will begin producing cars as early as 2023. This decision was taken at a high state level. NAMI will transfer the management of the enterprise to AvtoVAZ. It is quite logical - this manufacturer is the only one in Russia capable of producing its own cars.


Recall that the Nissan plant in St. Petersburg has been operating since 2009. Before the Japanese manufacturer left the Russian market, three models of popular crossovers were produced there. Since March 2022, the plant has been inactive, retaining, however, 2 of its workers.

Accordingly, the enterprise is ready for restructuring for the production of new models. Before leaving, Nissan promised that it would keep all the equipment in exchange for AvtoVAZ's obligation to service warranty Japanese cars officially sold in Russia.


What kind of cars will be produced at the enterprise is still unknown. Earlier there was talk about cooperation with FAW through KamAZ. But the transfer of control to AvtoVAZ, as it were, hints at the fact that here, most likely, they will launch the production of domestic, rather than Chinese models. However, there is no official information about this yet.

As for AvtoVAZ, it has ambitious development plans for 2023. First of all, it is necessary to establish mass production of Lada Vesta NG. Then launch the assembly of Largus and its electric version in Izhevsk.

In the meantime, AvtoVAZ said that the conveyor for the production of the classic Niva, that is, the Lada Niva Legend, will work one hour less each shift in December. This does not mean that the manufacturer is experiencing a shortage of components. This is just how AvtoVAZ responds to changing demand.

Dealers have received a sufficient number of Lada Niva Legend, they need more modern modifications of the Travel, previously known as the Chevrolet Niva. These cars are bought better, they are more versatile for family use.


A seven-hour work shift will make it possible to weld about a hundred bodies for the Legend modification every day. This means that about the same number of cars will be assembled.

But for Lada Niva Travel they will produce 170 bodies per shift. AvtoVAZ is confident that dealer sales will increase before the new year. So they are preparing to quickly fill the gap.

By the way, the manufacturer may resume the production of Lada Largus for one week in December if it is possible to assemble enough components.