Lada Iskra Production Delayed, Reliance on imports Deepens Russian Auto Industry Woes
Moscow - The launch of Lada’s highly anticipated Iskra model is facing significant delays, with mass production now expected to begin no earlier than spring 2026 – nearly two years after its initial unveiling and three years beyond the original schedule established during its planned collaboration with Renault. The setbacks underscore the deepening crisis within Russia’s automotive sector, increasingly reliant on imported components, notably from China and Turkey, following disruptions caused by geopolitical events.
The delays and import dependencies highlight the devastating impact of recent events on Russia’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.Once home to production facilities for major international brands like Renault, Kia, Hyundai, Skoda, and Volkswagen, the Russian market now largely depends on Chinese products and struggling domestic efforts to revive iconic names like Volga and Moskvich. Even the domestically-branded lada Granta, currently considered the most “independent” Russian vehicle, still relies on imported components for 54.3% of its parts.
According to the Russian central scientific and research institute of cars and engines, the Iskra’s production challenges stem from component sourcing. The institute’s assessment reveals a growing dependence on foreign suppliers, mirroring the broader industry trend. Simultaneously, the recent launch of the Moskvich 8, another Russian-branded vehicle, has been revealed as essentially a rebranded Chinese model, experiencing a six-month delay to market. These developments demonstrate the extent to which Russia’s automotive industry has been reshaped, and diminished, by recent geopolitical shifts.