Lada Azimut Marks Brand’s First All-New SUV in Nearly 30 Years

Once cornered by international sanctions and forced to sell outdated Euro 2 models, Russian automaker AvtoVAZ is staging a surprising comeback. The company behind the iconic Lada brand is now preparing to launch what could be its most ambitious vehicle in decades: the Lada Azimut, a fully Russian-developed SUV that aims to redefine the brand’s image and capabilities.

The Azimut, set to debut in 2026, marks Lada’s first entirely new SUV in nearly 30 years. Developed entirely within Russia amid continued Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, the Azimut is a bold statement of self-reliance and renewed ambition from AvtoVAZ. It builds on the momentum the company has regained in recent years, including the revitalization of the Niva lineup and a return to some European markets with the rugged Niva Travel.

A Shift Toward Modern Design

With its sharp lines, robust stance, and refined detailing, the Azimut stands apart from Lada’s typically utilitarian styling. The SUV’s exterior design draws clear inspiration from European models like the Dacia Duster or the upcoming Bigster, suggesting a deliberate attempt to elevate the brand’s aesthetic appeal.

The front fascia features an upright stance and short overhangs, highlighted by a signature “X” motif, integrated LED headlights, and a sporty bumper design. Along the sides, 18-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint give the Azimut a contemporary feel, while the rear boasts a sleek LED light bar and aluminum-trimmed bumper details.

Tech-Forward Interior

Inside, the Azimut adopts a more serious, modern tone. A digital instrument cluster is joined by a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen equipped with navigation and a voice assistant, developed in partnership with Russian tech firms Sber and Navi. Standard features include a reversing camera, six-speaker audio, and keyless entry, while options range from a panoramic roof and wireless charging to a 360-degree camera and dual-zone climate control.

A drive mode selector hints at the SUV’s off-road intentions—though, for now, that’s mostly symbolic.

Powertrains and Platform

The Azimut will initially launch with three petrol engine options: a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 120 hp, a 1.8-liter with 132 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offering 150 hp. Depending on the variant, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual, a CVT, or a conventional automatic transmission.

Built on an updated version of the Vesta platform, which dates back to 2015 and was last revised in 2022, the Azimut offers a respectable 208 mm of ground clearance. Though its off-road styling suggests rugged capability, the SUV will launch in front-wheel-drive configuration only. However, a four-wheel-drive version remains on the table for the future.

Notably, the chassis has undergone extensive changes, with nearly 1,000 new or modified components compared to the Vesta, particularly in the rear suspension.

Ambitions and Price Tag

Production of the Azimut will begin at Lada’s Togliatti plant in 2026. However, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions, its availability will be limited to the Russian market for the foreseeable future.

In terms of pricing, local reports suggest a starting price of around 2.5 million rubles (approximately €29,000), with fully equipped versions reaching up to €35,000. That makes the Azimut the most expensive model in Lada’s current lineup—nearly triple the price of a basic Niva Legend.

Despite the steep cost by Lada standards, the Azimut is clearly aimed at redefining the brand’s aspirations rather than competing on affordability alone. Whether this strategy succeeds in reshaping perceptions of Lada, both domestically and eventually abroad, will become clearer once the Azimut hits Russian roads.

For now, one thing is certain: AvtoVAZ is no longer content with merely surviving—it’s aiming to evolve.

Source: AvtoVaz

Gallery:

Toyota Drives Toward a Greener Future with Hydrogen-Powered Logistics Fleet

In a bold step toward carbon-neutral logistics, Toyota Motor Europe has rolled out hydrogen fuel cell trucks across key European routes.

Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with Dutch manufacturer VDL Groep, has launched a groundbreaking emission-free logistics program powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The initiative introduces five zero-emission trucks into Toyota’s core logistics network, linking Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Departing from the European Parts Center in Diest, Belgium, the trucks are now transporting goods to strategic destinations in Lille, Cologne, Rotterdam, and Weesp. Each of the 40-ton vehicles delivers performance on par with conventional diesel trucks but with the added benefit of producing no harmful emissions. Under real-world conditions, the trucks are capable of traveling up to 400 kilometers on a single hydrogen charge.

The project brings together prominent logistics partners including Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics. These companies will play a vital role in evaluating the day-to-day operational performance of the new fleet, particularly within the high-demand environment of Toyota’s logistics center, which handles over 500,000 parts daily.

This move is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to reach carbon neutrality across its logistics operations by 2040. Thiebault Paquet, Vice President of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Europe, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative: “This project not only supports our decarbonization goals but also helps build the foundations of a hydrogen-based economy by increasing demand and awareness for clean hydrogen fuel.”

By pioneering hydrogen-powered logistics at scale, Toyota is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a cleaner transportation future across Europe.

Source: Toyota Motor Europe

Ford Recalls 2025 Super Duty Trucks for Potential Brake Failure

Ford Motor Company has issued an urgent recall and “Do Not Drive” warning for a limited number of its 2025 Super Duty trucks due to a potentially dangerous defect in the brake pedal assembly that could lead to a complete loss of braking power.

The recall affects 2,345 vehicles across the Super Duty lineup, from the F-250 to the F-550. According to the automaker, the issue centers around a possibly missing spring in the brake pedal assembly, a small but critical component responsible for ensuring braking responsiveness.

The problem first came to light in late May when team members at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant alerted the company’s Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) after identifying a defect in the brake pedal of a 2025 F-350. A troubling report followed shortly after, documenting a technician’s experience during a pre-delivery inspection in which the brake pedal moved freely with no resistance—indicating a complete lack of braking force.

By early June, a second incident had been reported involving another F-350. In that case, a technician discovered a missing spring during a routine inspection. Further investigation by CCRG revealed that both affected trucks had been assembled by a new operator still in training. Complicating matters, a camera system meant to monitor the production line was found to be malfunctioning at times, leaving Ford without visual confirmation that the affected trucks were built correctly.

As a result, Ford is recalling all potentially impacted trucks out of an abundance of caution.

“We are taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our customers,” the company said in a statement. “Owners of affected vehicles are being notified and instructed not to drive their trucks until they have been inspected and, if necessary, repaired by a certified Ford dealer.”

The company has already begun reaching out to owners and coordinating with dealerships to perform the necessary inspections and repairs.

This recall underscores the vital role of quality control in vehicle manufacturing and highlights the importance of pre-delivery inspections in catching potentially life-threatening defects before vehicles hit the road.

Customers with questions are encouraged to contact their local Ford dealer or visit Ford’s website for more information on the recall and next steps.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Photo: Ford

Cars and catalogues