Concern AvtoVAZ has two factories: in Izhevsk and Tolyatti. Recently there was information that the Russian auto giant has another enterprise at its disposal. It is located near St. Petersburg and previously belonged to Nissan. From the Japanese brand, the enterprise passed to the disposal of NAMI, and this institute, in turn, transferred it to AvtoVAZ, which undertook to restore the production process on it. Unfortunately, the Russian automaker is unable to accomplish this task on its own.
At the moment, AvtoVAZ does not have sufficient resources to launch another production. The concern provides a stable assembly only Frets Grant. With the release of other cars, certain problems regularly appear. In addition, the Russian automaker needs to take care of the stable functioning of the enterprise in Izhevsk. Here, in 2023, it is planned to assemble an electric Largus. But the timing of this project can also be extended. Therefore, in order to establish a production process at a car plant near St. Petersburg, AvtoVAZ will most likely look for foreign investors. If you believe the insider information of some sources involved in this matter, such a partner may be a Chinese company. In this context, the name often sounds GAC concern, which does not yet have its production in the Russian Federation. The same insiders claim that the former Nissan plant will produce Lada models.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1lFGfUxW_I
This statement is in perfect agreement with AvtoVAZ’s statements about a significant increase in car production in 2023. In other words, the collaboration with the GAC makes these plans very feasible. It remains unknown which specific models will be produced at the plant near St. Petersburg. However, the idea of reviving old cars seems quite logical and real. For example, the VAZ-2106 Six 2023-2024 may enter the Russian market. Of course, this car will be updated to modern realities. On on our NaAvtotrasse YouTube channel a video with renderings has already appeared, which shows what this car might look like.
It is likely that the Six will be produced at the former Nissan plant. The new model shown in the images differs significantly from its predecessor. Only their low cost can unite machines. If the price of the VAZ-2106 is not low enough, the Russian auto giant will not be able to realize its plans, because there will simply be no demand for new cars.
At the first stage, rather superficial cooperation between AvtoVAZ and the GAC is expected. During this period, Chinese partners can provide financial support, as well as systems and parts needed to revive the production process at the former Nissan plant. The entire development of the new Six will be carried out by AvtoVAZ specialists, and the Lada Grant platform will become the basis for it. This will minimize the cost of the model. It will be equipped with Chinese components, including air conditioning, multimedia, security systems, etc. It should be noted that software is supplied to GAC by the IT giant Huawei, ties with which may also be useful for AvtoVAZ.
The updated VAZ-2106 “Six” 2023-2024 will be equipped with a standard engine and gearbox for the Togliatti plant. Most likely, a 1.6-liter engine with a return of 106 hp will be installed on this model, functioning in tandem with a conventional manual transmission. Thus, the updated “Six” may well take a place between Granta and Vesta. Analyzing the statements of representatives of AvtoVAZ, it can be predicted that the production of a new car will begin in the second half of 2023.