AvtoVAZ Maps Overseas Assembly Push, Sets Conditional 2026 Output Goal

Overview

• AvtoVAZ may open up to seven foreign assembly sites by 2028, with three in CIS countries, two in Africa, and two in the Middle East.
• President Maxim Sokolov said a strong ruble has limited export competitiveness compared with 2024, when a weaker currency boosted shipments.
• The company outlined a provisional 2026 output target of about 400,000 vehicles, contingent on Russia’s new-car market reaching roughly 1.5 million units.
• The board-approved plan for 2025 calls for just over 320,000 vehicles, and a reduced workweek remains in place to balance production with inventories and sales.
• Near-term export expectations are now to match last year’s roughly 20,000 vehicles, with potential for more than 1.5x growth in 2026 if the ruble returns to late-2024 levels.