AvtoVAZ is a major Russian manufacturer producing over a million cars a year. Since 1970, AvtoVAZ has produced over 26 million automobiles.
In 1966, the government of the USSR adopted a resolution on the construction of an automotive plant in Togliatti. The first 'kopeika,' the legendary VAZ-2101, came off the assembly line within three years, which is a very short time. It was sold in export markets as Lada, which is now a famous Russian brand. AvtoVAZ celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2011.
The main divisions of AvtoVAZ are the scientific and technical centre; automotive body assembly and production; mechanical assembly production; metallurgical production including automobile production; press, plastics and pilot production units.
The premises of AvtoVAZ occupy over 600 hectares. The plant's facilities cover over 4 million square metres with more than 10,000 pieces of equipment. The assembly line stretches for over 300 kilometres; the main conveyor is 1.5 kilometres long.
Over 1,000 enterprises supply parts and materials for the plant's assembly line. Over 400 Russian dealers are involved in selling and servicing the cars.
AvtoVAZ mass produces passenger cars that cost from 200,000 to 400,000 roubles. AvtoVAZ has a 25% share of the Russian passenger car market.
The plant produces 14 models of the five main Lada series:
-Lada Priora (since 2007);
-Lada Kalina (since 2004);
-Lada Samara (manufactured since 1984, redesigned in 1998-2004, modernised in 2006);
-Lada 4x4 (manufactured since 1977, redesigned in 1993, modernised in 2009-2010);
-Lada 2107 (produced since 1982, modernised in 2006-2008);
AvtoVAZ has about 70,000 employees, the average age of which is 40. There are about 21,100 employees under the age of 30. The welfare of over 4 million Russians, including auto mechanics, salespeople and parts suppliers, depends on the stability of the plant's work.
Until 2020, AvtoVAZ will undergo restructuring and modernisation as part of the company's development programme (business plan). In 2011, AvtoVAZ launches a new automobile series into production – Lada Granta. And beginning in 2012, AvtoVAZ plans to begin producing three brands –Lada, Renault, and Nissan –on the BO platform. AvtoVAZ is an equal partner of the Renault-Nissan alliance. In 2020, AvtoVAZ will produce 1.2 million passenger cars of these three brands.