The automotive industry in Russia is among the top twenty global leaders, ranking in the second ten. It does not play a decisive role in the country’s economy, giving way to more developed industries. However, it offers many authentic models of cars and trucks adapted to local operating conditions. Some brands came from the times of the Soviet Union, and others appeared after its collapse.
What are Russian automobile brands?
The Russian automotive industry is represented by the following brands: AvtoVAZ, Lada, GAZ, KAMAZ, NAMI, Aurus Senat, UAZ, Combat Armouring, Renault Russia, Silant, Sollers JSC, VAZInterService, Yarovit Motors, SpetsTech. Non-existent Russian automakers include Aleko, Derways Automobile Company, Ford Sollers, GM-AvtoVAZ, SeAZ, Amur, IzhAvto, Moskvich, TagAZ, Yo-mobile, ZIL, and ZMA.
The most famous and original brands include IZH, Lada, Niva, VAZ, and GAZ. The largest passenger car manufacturer in Eastern Europe is AvtoVAZ. KAMAZ ranks 11th in the world ranking for the production of trucks. The largest enterprise in the Russian automotive industry is considered to be GAZ Group, which includes 12 industry organizations.
Major Russian Car Brands
AvtoVAZ
The first name of this Russian company is VAZ, which is formed from the phrase Volga Automobile Plant. The manufacturer appeared in 1966 in Togliatti in the Samara region. The most famous series of its cars is Lada. However, until the 1990s, the plant’s product range included many other passenger car lines designed for domestic consumers. Among them are Zhiguli, Oka, and Sputnik, later removed from production. At the end of 2019, AvtoVAZ assembled “Niva” cars under the Chevrolet brand.
In 2020, the company became a subsidiary of Alliance Rostec Auto, which belongs to Groupe Renault, as it owns a controlling stake. Thus, the Russian firm is now its consolidated entity. In addition to its own Lada cars, the transport engineering plant from Russia produces Datsun, Nissan, and Renault cars for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance group. At the beginning of 2021, the enterprise joined the structure of Renault under the brands Lada and Dacia.
Lada
Russian car brand AvtoVAZ (formerly VAZ) is produced at the AvtoVAZ (formerly VAZ) plant owned by French company Groupe Renault. From January 2021, this passenger car series will be merged with the Dacia brand as part of Renault’s overall Lada-Dacia division.
The debut examples were introduced as Zhiguli with technical support from Fiat. The renaming of Lada took place in 1973. Cars under this brand were intended for export abroad but then began to be supplied to the domestic Russian market in the 1990s of the 20th century. 2016 Groupe Renault gained full control over the brand, although it began to support it in 2008.
GAZ
The company name “GAZ” stands for “Gorky Automobile Plant,” of which only the first letters are used. This Russian manufacturer of passenger cars appeared in the city of Nizhny Novgorod in 1932. The plant was built with the participation of Ford Motor Company, which signed an agreement with the Soviet Union. In the first years, the company was called “Naz” – from the city’s name (Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant).
The debut products of the Russian automaker were the Ford Model A (Naz-A) passenger car and Ford Model AA (Naz-AA) truck. Then, the name was changed, and the range was expanded. Today, it is a basic subsidiary of the GAZ Group holding company, part of the Basic Element Group. The controlling shareholder of GAZ OAO is Russian Machines OAO.
KAMAZ
The full name of this Russian automaker is OAO KAMAZ (the abbreviation is formed from Kama Automobile Plant). The company is located in Naberezhnye Chelny in the Republic of Tatarstan and was opened in 1969. It specializes in trucks, which produce about 43 thousand per year. Their main supply regions are Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). The trucks of this brand have won the Dakar rally 18 times.
The company owns more than 110 production units and subsidiaries, forming the KAMAZ Group. It also owns authorized capital in more than 50 specialized companies. Its main production facilities are concentrated in Naberezhnye Chelny. In addition, it has facilities in Bashkortostan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, India, and Azerbaijan.
NAMI
The name of this brand comes from the Russian version of the phrase “Central Research Automobile and Automotor Institute.” It is a factory and an automobile laboratory with headquarters in Moscow. NAMI was engaged in tractor technology in the first few years after its foundation (1918).
In the 1930s, the institute became the leading division of the automobile industry. Trucks, tractors, and trolleybuses were developed here. After 1946, the enterprise was divided into two parts – the automobile and tractor industries. It was also given the brand of motorcycles. Now, the company produces executive-class cars for the country’s leadership.
Aurus Senat
This is a sub-brand of NAMI, created in Moscow in 2020. It is in charge of producing the presidential state car, first shown at one of the annual events of the Moscow International Automobile Salon. It also introduced the Cortege series, including an SUV, a minivan, and a sedan. This collection was named UMP (unified modular platform).
UAZ
The name of this manufacturer of transport vehicles is an abbreviation of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, located in Ulyanovsk. The company appeared in 1941 and is currently part of the Sollers group (since 2000). At its sites, it assembles trucks, buses, and SUVs.
However, the most legendary vehicle in this brand is the UAZ-469. This brand’s cars began to be produced immediately after the plant’s opening. They were most popular during the Second World War. The cars were redesigned and modernized, with several modifications: Patriot, Hunter, and Pickup.
Manufacturer, Truck, Bus, Other
Manufacturers of automobiles, armored vehicles, pickup trucks, trucks, vans, and specialized vehicles represent this large group. It also includes companies in partnership with foreign firms, private entities, and industrial associations. Some of them have been operating for a very long time and have rich experience (SeAZ, Aleko); others are newly established enterprises and have modern equipment (“SpetsTech,” Ford Sollers).
Aleko
The Moskvich-2141 brand, first announced in 1985 and embodied in an old-style sedan, is the backbone of the Moscow company. Its name has nothing to do with names or literary characters—the word “Aleko” is made up of the first letters of the phrase “Lenin Komsomol Automobile Plant.” The car of the same name was produced until 1997 when it was rebranded with technical modernization. Then, the old brand was replaced by a new one—”Svyatogor.”
Derways Automobile Company
The car company, founded in 2003, is named after its creator. One part is a fragment of the surname Derways Haji-Murat (Der), and the second is the English word “ways.” The company is the first private manufacturer of passenger cars in Russia. It is located in Cherkessk, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, and is part of the Mercury group of companies. Since 2007, Derways has been cooperating with two Chinese companies on joint production of vehicles. These are Liaoning SG Automotive Group Co, Ltd and Lifan Group.
Ford Sollers
In 2019, the American partner announced the restructuring of the bilateral agreement and the cessation of passenger car assembly. Only the plant in Elabuga remains, which operates under a simplified scheme, producing a single model – the Ford Transit van.
GM-AvtoVAZ
A former Russian-American enterprise represented by General Motors (USA) and AvtoVAZ (Russia). It appeared in 2001 and produced the Chevrolet Niva car, based on the Lada Niva, at the Togliatti plant. After the complete transfer of the enterprise to Russian ownership, which was acquired in 2019, this organization ceased its work. In December of the same year, it was closed down.
Combat Armouring
An automobile company from St. Petersburg, founded in 1985. Its first passenger car was the Laura model. Two years after its founding, the company began production of the Okhta minivan. In 1990, it acquired a military plant, where it opened a large-scale production. Since 1993, this organization has produced armored vans and cars for couriers and other specialized services.
Renault Russia
The Russian automobile manufacturer was founded in 1998 under the name Avtoframos. It then signed an agreement with the Renault concern, creating a joint venture. Over time, the French side took full control of this organization, paying off its debts. “Renault Russia” is a wholly owned subsidiary of the French company, which was renamed in 2014.
SeAZ
The company’s name is derived from the combination “Serpukhov Automobile Plant.” The production site was located in the city of Serpukhov, Moscow region. The company produced motorcycles since its foundation (1939) and until 1995. Later, it switched to producing cars for the disabled, and then ultra-small cars—micro cars “Lada Oka,” developed by AvtoVAZ—appeared in its lineup. In 2013, the plant closed due to bankruptcy.
Silant
In 2010, a Russian company, formerly called Avtospetsoborudovanie, was established in Veliky Novgorod (Novgorod region). It produces specialized vehicles on the 4×4 platform. Also, “Silant” is the brand and name of a vehicle developed at NAMI (National Automobile Institute). The company produces fire, ambulance, utility, refrigerated, universal, shift, and other vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive and three-seat cabins.
Sollers JSC
The company was founded in 2002 and specializes in producing many transport vehicles, including off-road vehicles, passenger cars, tractors, and commercial vehicles. It was formerly known as Severstal-Avto. Its member companies are characterized by stable operation and wide popularity, holding strong positions in all industrial market segments. The company owns a controlling stake in OAO ZMA, OAO Zavolzhsky Motor Plant, and OAO Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant.
VAZInterService
Russian pickup truck manufacturer based in Togliatti (Samara region). It appeared in 1991 as a subsidiary of AvtoVAZ and produced spare parts for the Lada car. In 2003, the enterprise was separated into an independent company and received the legal status of a closed joint-stock company under the name “VIS-AVTO.”
Yarovit Motors
The manufacturer of specialized vehicles from St. Petersburg was founded in 2003 when Yarovit Holdings acquired the Leningrad Metal Plant. Since then, it has been assembling and restoring Dutch Terberg tractors. The company offers multi-axle trucks and road vehicles to transport oversized and extra-heavy loads. There are also models for driving in difficult weather and landscape conditions. The range is represented by concrete mixers, timber trucks, dump trucks, and other machines for various functional purposes.
SpetsTekh
This is a world-renowned supplier of specialized vehicles and off-road vehicles. It was founded in 2002 in Nizhny Novgorod. The company produces cars, ATVs, tractors, and all-terrain vehicles on caterpillar and wheeled chassis. Its products are designed for search and rescue services, hunters, power engineers, geologists, oil and gas, and other enterprises.
Defunct Car Brands
If manufacturers are liquidated, it does not mean that all their cars automatically disappear. Not at all! They still drive on the roads, pleasing their owners with beauty and reliability. After all, many reasons exist for the closure of automobile companies – from mergers to bankruptcy. Someone could not withstand the competition, someone – the circumstances of the time, because the 90s after the collapse of the Soviet Union became for most a huge shock with unpredictable economic consequences. Therefore, the disappearance of automakers fell just at the beginning of the 2000s. A vivid example is Moskvich, ZIL, Russo-Balt, etc.
Amur
The company was founded in 1967, the year of liquidation—2012. Location – Novouralsk (Sverdlovsk region). The name is an abbreviation for “Automobiles and Motors of the Urals.” The company produced commercial vehicles. Currently, all its assets have been sold, and it has disappeared.
IzhAvto
The company, known as IZHMASH (Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant—IzhAvto), existed from 1965 to 2008. It was located in the city of Izhevsk in the Udmurt Republic. It was part of a larger structure founded in 1807 by Russian Emperor Alexander I. The enterprise was self-liquidated, and its technical base was retrained for another direction.
Marussia
The young car brand existed relatively briefly – from 2007 to 2014. It was created by Nikolay Fomenko, Andrey Cheglakov, and Libor Haluza and produced the first Russian sports cars. Its Marussia B1 car participated in Formula 1 races from 2012 to 2014. After this period, the team was disbanded, and the company was liquidated.
Moskvich
The legendary Russian brand existed for many years—from 1929 to 2006. Cars under this brand were produced at the AZLK plant, located in the capital of Russia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the enterprise was privatized, and at the beginning of the new century, it was liquidated. The name “Moskvich” meant a native of Moscow since the enterprise was located there.
Russo-Balt
One of the oldest automobile brands in Russia appeared in 1894. Until 1923, it produced cars and airplanes. At first, the plant was located in Riga and St. Petersburg, from where it was evacuated to Moscow. Initially, the company was a subsidiary of Van der Zypen & Charlier from Cologne-Deutz (Germany), which sold it to Riga investors. In 2006, the brand was revived. It produced buses, trucks, and cars.
TagAZ
The automaker was called Taganrog Automobile Plant, based in Taganrog (Rostov Region). It existed for a short time – from 1997 to 2014. After that, the company was liquidated due to bankruptcy. Before that, it assembled Citroën Berlingo, Hyundai (Accent, Sonata, Elantra, Porter series), Vortex (Estina, Corda, Tingo lines), and other cars.
Yo-Mobile
This is the first Russian hybrid passenger car called “ё-AUTO,” which the project developers came up with themselves, as none of the proposed 12 thousand variants suit them. The car had sliding doors and was made in an innovative design. Because the creators could not find investors, the program was curtailed, and the brand was abolished. It was sold to the Russian government for one euro. This brand never entered series production – it was liquidated in 2014.
ZiL
This was the largest automobile enterprise in Russia, the name of which means “Likhachev Plant” in Russian. The enterprise appeared in 1916 in Moscow and was engaged in the large-scale production of large-sized cars. From its conveyors came trucks, dump trucks, military vehicles, and heavy machinery. The manufacturer assembled its last series in 2012. Since 2013, it has existed only in the form of property.
ZMA
This manufacturer of cars and heavy-duty equipment is located in Naberezhnye Chelny, founded in 1987. The enterprise is part of the Sollers group of companies and was previously engaged in producing small cars, “Oka,” under the license of VAZ. Hence, its abbreviated name means “Small car plant.” In 2005, ZMA was acquired by Severstal-Auto, which reoriented it to the assembly of foreign cars. In particular, the plant produced three Ford passenger car models – Fiesta, EcoSport, and Sollers. Their production was stopped in 2010.
Avtokam
This Russian company has existed since 1989; its headquarters are in Naberezhnye Chelny (Tatarstan). The decision to create it was made at a conference in Yelabuga, where entrepreneur Grigory Rysin presented his proposal. It is an association of several companies from different spheres of activity with related interests in the automotive industry.
The brand’s founders include 37 people, including Tatneftekhimmontazh, Intertap, Ivanovo Machine-Tool Association, Karpov Chemical Plant (Mendeleevsk), and many others. The brand is focused on affordable cars. In addition, in partnership with the British concern FSV, the company produced a passenger car, Rickman Ranger. However, the manufacturer has not been active since 1999.
Dragon
Gennady Khainov founded this Russian company in 1985 and was its leading designer and constructor. The company produces off-road vehicles and focuses on two models: the Dragon Astero and the Dragon Jump. Both are assembled from units and parts of three famous Russian cars, VAZ, GAZ, and UAZ.
Doninvest
A Russian industrial group that produced Daewoo passenger cars under the domestic brands Assol, Condor, and Orion. Its plants were located in Taganrog and Aksai (Rostov region). After several attempts to conclude agreements with other foreign companies to stay afloat, the enterprise went bankrupt and closed in 2014.
FAQ
What is the iconic Russian car?
The legendary Russian car is the Lada, produced by AvtoVAZ. The Lada Niva is a remarkable model introduced in 1977. It is a compact, boxy SUV known for its toughness and durability. Due to its small size and practical design, many consider it the forerunner of the modern SUV.
Like the Niva, Lada cars are known for their simple design, making repairs easy. This simplicity makes them reliable and easy to fix without specialized tools.
During its heyday, the brand enjoyed enormous popularity in Russia and worldwide. The Lada Niva has become a favorite among off-road enthusiasts in areas with difficult driving conditions.
Does Russia make a sports car?
Yes, it produces sports cars. Marussia Motors, founded in 2007 by Nikolai Fomenko, became the first Russian company to produce sports cars. They are known for two models: Marussia B1 and Marussia B2.
The Marussia B1, introduced in 2008, has an elegant design and a Cosworth engine. The B2 has a more aggressive look, sharper lines, and a powerful engine.
A new company, Rosa, plans to produce high-performance sports cars. A GT2 race car is expected next year, and the GT3 model and special editions will appear in 2026. Rosa’s entry into the market is a significant step for Russia in producing sports cars.
These brands demonstrate Russia’s potential to produce competitive sports cars on the world stage.
What is the most popular car in Russia?
The most popular car in Russia is the Lada Granta. This budget-friendly sedan is known for its affordability and practicality. Created by AVTOVAZ, the Granta leads in sales due to its simple design and reliability.
Another top model is the Lada Vesta. This sedan, produced by AvtoVAZ, is popular for its modern design and improved performance.
The Hyundai Creta, a compact crossover, is very popular in Russia. It appeals to those seeking a versatile vehicle for city and off-road driving.
The KIA Rio is another best-selling car in Russia. It is known for its stylish design, reliability, good fuel economy, and comfortable interior, making it popular among young professionals and small families.
Is there a Russian car brand?
Yes, Russia has car brands, some with roots in the Soviet Union and others that appeared after its collapse. These brands have made significant contributions to the market.
One of the most famous is AvtoVAZ, which is known for its Lada models. AvtoVAZ is one of the largest car manufacturers in Russia. The Lada brand includes popular models such as Lada Granta and Lada Vesta, known for their affordability and practicality.
Another well-known brand is GAZ Group, which stands for Gorky Automobile Plant. The brand produces many vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. The GAZ Volga is a classic Soviet car and one of its most iconic models.
KAMAZ is a significant Russian automotive brand, especially in heavy trucks and commercial vehicles. It is the leading truck manufacturer in Russia and has gained international recognition at the Dakar Rally, winning many titles.
IZH, or Izhevsk Automobile Plant, produced various models, including the popular IZH 2125 Kombi from Soviet times.
The Niva is primarily associated with the Lada Niva, a rugged SUV known for its reliability and off-road capabilities. Niva has a loyal following in Russia and abroad.
The new company Aurus specializes in luxury cars. Aurus attracted attention for its Senat model, a luxury sedan used by Russian officials, including the president.
Is Kia a Russian car?
No, it’s not a Russian car. Kia Corporation, part of the Hyundai Motor Company, owns this South Korean brand.
Kia began its business in 1944 by producing bicycle parts and steel tubes. Then, it moved on to motorcycles and cars. Today, Kia produces various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The brand is known for its stylish, reliable, and affordable cars, popular in many countries, including Russia.
Kia cars are manufactured in countries such as South Korea, China, and the USA. The company has a strong presence in the global market and is expanding with new developments and advanced technologies.
