AvtoVAZ is hailing the Russian government’s close interest in the automotive industry after Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev held a recent conference at the manufacturer’s Togliatti headquarters.

The high level of the conference was illustrated by Medvedev being accompanied by Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, Arkady Dvorkovich and AvtoVAZ CEO, Bo Andersson, while numerous federal and local officials also attended the automotive summit as did Russian and overseas car assemblers.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

“It is clearly delivered by Medvedev – the Russian government would support the whole automotive industry with RUB50bn (US$651m),” an AvtoVAZ spokesman told just-auto from Russia. “With programmes like scrappage and trade-ins, partly going to support exports in terms of necessary technologies in Russian automotive production sites and partly covering expenses for companies transporting vehicles to the border.

“We should clearly understand the existing situation and the Russian government takes advantage in any part of industry – automotive is a big part of industry.”

The Russian Prime Minister made use of his Togliatti – named after an Italian communist – visit to test drive AvtoVAZ’s Lada Xray – while also touring the plant and talking to workers.

“We were very glad of the interest Medvedev took and were delighted the meeting took place in AvtoVAZ office [s],” added the automaker’s spokesman.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“This year is the 50th celebration of AvtoVAZ [when] the Soviet government took the decision to build the plant in Togliatti. We are planning a very bright event nationwide…the biggest celebration will take place in July.”

The Lada Xray will launch on 14 February and comes hot on the heels of the Vesta rolling out late last year.

“I drove it [Xray] and I liked I,” said Medvedev. “Very comfortable and modern car that is not worse than any other similar vehicle made by foreign brands.

“I think it has a good future.”

AvtoVAZ recently annouced it would place staff up to top management on a four-day week with a 20% pay cut, as the Russian domestic economic situation continues to remain highly challenging.