AvtoVAZ Cuts 2026 Market Forecast, Warns of Difficult H2 for Lada Sales

AvtoVAZ President Maxim Sokolov revised down the 2026 Russian automotive market forecast to 1.4-1.45 million vehicles from 1.5-1.55 million, citing a challenging second half for Lada sales. The 400,000-unit production plan for 2026 was based on the more optimistic scenario, implying potential downward adjustment. This signals weakening domestic demand in Russia's auto sector, a bellwether for consumer spending.