"Pessimism paid off": AvtoVAZ cut Lada sales target by 15%

The plan for February is approximately 20 thousand cars, the head of the company said Maxim Sokolov. However, in terms of sales rates, it is not yet possible to reach even this figure.

"I haven't heard any positive comments or hopes for the start of 2026 in terms of auto market volumes and sales rates. And, in general, this pessimism has proven justified." Sokolov said.

According to him, for now AvtoVAZ can only hope for radical changes that will help turn the Russian market toward more active sales.

Russia has seen a collapse in demand for Lada cars. The company's employees are expecting wages to be cut in half—to 40 thousands rubles per month, and buyers are reporting a rapid rise in prices. 

During the 3,5 years of war, the price of Lada increased by 72%. In addition, several major scandals occurred: the Lada Vesta's steering wheel would lock while driving, while the Lada Largus's would jam. The Lada Iskra experienced problems with the heating, windshield washer, and other systems, as the fuses were reversed at the factory.

Previously a deputy Sergey MironovHe called on the Accounts Chamber to audit AvtoVAZ, as the state is "appeasing" the auto giant in every way possible, allocating billions to support it, and eliminating competitors through recycling fees and the localization of taxis.