The production of "Volga" cars with a full cycle, including welding and painting of car bodies, has begun in Nizhny Novgorod. Welding operations were launched at the end of August – earlier than the previously announced deadline of the end of 2026.
The welding shop uses robotic systems that were previously used for the production of Volkswagen and Skoda. About 80% of key operations are performed automatically. The tolerance for the coordinates of welding points does not exceed 0.2 mm, and the control system itself determines the body modification and selects the necessary operations.
After welding, the body undergoes 19 technological stages of preparation, including washing, phosphating, and cathodic electrocoating. Then, vibration and noise insulation, sealants, and protective mastic are applied. Robots sequentially cover the body with secondary primer, base enamel, and varnish, and hidden cavities are protected with wax.
The maximum design capacity of the enterprise is 110 thousand cars per year. However, localization remains limited for now. Windshields, exhaust systems, batteries, wheels and tires, ERA-GLONASS components, and a telematics unit are produced or supplied in Russia. Part of the chemical materials and paints are also Russian.
The next stage is the production of exterior plastic parts by the end of 2026. In 2027, it is planned to launch the stamping of body parts, and from 2028 – the production of engines and transmissions.