CEO says AvtoVAZ cuts 2023 export plan to 10,000 Lada cars

MOSCOW, Sep 29 (PRIME) -- Russian car producer AvtoVAZ has reduced the 2023 export plan to 10,000 Ladas from 10,000–15,000, CEO Maxim Sokolov told PRIME on Friday.

"I would narrow the range a bit and set it close to a threshold of 10,000, maybe, a bit less," Sokolov said adding that the company expects a more significant development of the export potential in 2024. "But many aspects will depend on our cooperation with the authorities, including with the certification bodies of the states where our products are to be sent."

Sokolov also said that AvtoVAZ may launch production of a new Lada model with Eastern partners at the plant in St. Petersburg in 2023. The executive did not disclose the name of the model and its segment.

Sales of the Lada X-Cross 5 cars being produced at the plant since June to private clients will start at the end of 2023 or in early 2024. The first line is to be wholly bought by corporate clients, he said.

The Eastern partners of the company are aimed at continuing cooperation in spite of inclusion of AvtoVAZ in a new U.S. blacklist.

"I held negotiations with the executives of the partner companies last week in Moscow, where an intent to develop partner relations with AvtoVAZ was confirmed," he said.

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