LADA EYES UP GLOBAL EXPANSION

Swapping the Niva onto modular underpinnings paves the way for the next-generation 4x4 to be sold alongside its Renault Group relations in more markets worldwide.

Dacia and Lada product executive Lionel Jaillet told Autocar: “The Niva has great potential outside Russia. We’ve not made any final decision on this, but we are exploring it worldwide.”

Jaillet hopes both Lada and Dacia will “redefine” their segments as part of the ‘Renaulution’ strategy devised by Renault Group boss Luca de Meo.

The Renault Group wants to “keep the position of Lada but widen the coverage”, said Jaillet. “It will still be robust and durable, built for extremes.”