In six months you won't recognize UAZ

In six months you won't recognize UAZ

In the near future, UAZ will start the production of several new car models, including a new seven-seat SUV. In addition, the company will start producing additional types of components, including elements of passive safety for cars. But for a long time and well-known representatives of the current model range - "Hunters", "Loaves" and "Patriots" - also do not plan to be removed from the assembly line, on the contrary, they are waiting for a serious modernization. Alexey Spirin, General Director of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant told in an exclusive interview with Izvestia.

UAZ is undergoing the most significant transformation in its entire history

You came to UAZ in 2019. Prior to that, you worked for a long time in a joint venture with Ford, Renault and Toyota. Does the experience of working in foreign car companies help now?

"Of course! It is difficult to overestimate the importance of working experience in companies representing the global automotive industry. He taught us to be first of all demanding of ourselves, to react quickly to any difficulties, and allowed us to feel the spirit and rhythm of a large production. And one of my main production tasks is to try to convey to employees that the main conveyor depends on each person in the enterprise. The practice of building a production model in which each employee knows their function and tries to avoid downtime was also applied here, at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant.

I have been working at Sollers since 2008. In 2019, I was appointed Executive Director of UAZ. On the one hand, the spirit of the plant is close to the start of my career at AVTOVAZ in 1999. The plants in Tolyatti and Ulyanovsk are very similar in terms of staff, technologies, and many approaches to work. On the other hand, there was already a need for further development of the production system, the introduction and "polishing" of modern production standards, which I met while working with foreign carmakers.

From the outside, all car factories are about the same. How does UAZ differ from the companies where you worked before?

First of all, technologies of deeper production. That is, in addition to welding, painting, assembling, and manufacturing special vehicles, there is a press shop, its own metallurgy, its own forge, and the production of automotive components. Therefore, a wider range of knowledge is required here. Again, the team is many times larger than at most enterprises where I worked before. In addition, since UAZ is an integral part of one of the largest car manufacturers in Russia, it is very important to understand not only the macroeconomics of the plant itself, but also its impact on the company's business as a whole.

How has the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant changed over the years of your work, and what did you personally manage to change? What ideas and projects are you planning to implement?

Now Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant is going through, perhaps, the most significant transformation in the entire history of its existence. We are actively working to turn the production site into a modern industrial park, specializing in the production of frame cars and automotive components, with new production facilities and technologies. Come to us in the middle of this year — you will not recognize UAZ. The number of new production facilities that have already been created or will be launched on the territory in the very near future will significantly transform the site. Including through the implementation of new projects related to the launch of the Sollers line.

For example, over the past two years, a new Sollers building has been opened here in Ulyanovsk, where the production of the light commercial trucks the Sollers Argo has been established, and medium-duty trucks the Sollers TR have also been launched. In a deep synergy with UAZ production, the project of assembling Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickups using full-cycle technology was implemented. By the end of the year, another model will be launched on the conveyor the Sollers ST9. It is important to note that we do not follow the path of large-node assembly, which is often called re-pasting the nameplate. We are modernizing our production base and organizing localized production-from welding and painting bodies to installing diesel engines manufactured at the Sollers plant in Yelabuga and a gearbox manufactured at the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. All the changes radically change the very culture of production of UAZ cars. As the machines themselves change, so does the approach of the people who make them. We see the fire in their eyes, the attitude to the car on the assembly line as something of their own, native. Believe me, this is very important, it brings the team together.

We plan to further deepen the localization of stamping, which will require renovation of the press equipment and new stamping equipment. Also this year, the production of passive safety systems, electronics and other important components of the car will be launched, some of which will be produced here, at the UAZ site.

Do I understand correctly that you intend to provide yourself as much as possible with the necessary components, components and assemblies?

Yes, import substitution is one of our priority areas. And not only by switching to local third-party components, but also by creating our own production of key components and assemblies within the company. Let's think back to 2022, when foreign automakers, as well as manufacturers of components and components, left with a loud slam of the door. Then Russian car factories faced a dilemma — to stop production for a while or quickly look for new solutions. We went the second way.

Of course, it was necessary to significantly simplify the design of cars — for this purpose, the government of the Russian Federation introduced temporary eases in the technical regulations for all Russian automakers. But I want to emphasize that the UAZ conveyor did not stop for a single day. This was made possible by a very high degree of localization of machines. The transition to affordable imported technical solutions dictated the need to quickly adapt production to the sanctions realities. It was a strenuous job that continues today. It is important that we were able to quickly find alternative options. Examples include engine control units that became unavailable at one point, and we quickly replaced them with domestic analogues.

Some solutions did not pass the test of time, and we abandoned them. Other proven solutions were from the past, and we immediately realized that they were temporary in nature. Together with suppliers, we have improved components and components, and today the car already has an anti-lock braking system, domestic engine control units, and much more. Some solutions have been changed or significantly improved. For example, a manual transmission: today this unit is no longer the same as in 2022-2023, it is thoroughly modified. The same can be said about the transfer case.

All this required a significant upgrade of our equipment fleet, and we are now implementing a major investment program in the mechanical processing industry. This gives us an improvement in the parameters and quality of a particular node. We are gradually moving to the Russian component base. Even now, a significant part of the components on UAZ cars are of our own production. And their nomenclature will only expand.

I have already said that this year we will start production of passive safety elements at the UAZ site. I emphasize: this is not just an assembly, but a full-fledged production "from raw materials", starting with the casting of the steering wheel frame from magnesium alloy to the tailoring of the airbags themselves and the release of control units. Production will be organized here, in Ulyanovsk, literally in the neighboring building of the enterprise. The necessary equipment is already being imported and installed there. If we go through the composition of the car, then almost every element has its own work-this applies both to key elements, for example, engine control units, and components such as electrical wiring, pipes, and even fasteners. As a result, if before 2022 the localization of our models was approximately 80-85%, now the level reaches 95-96%.

We will launch the production of a new seven-seat SUV at the UAZ site

Not so long ago, UAZ started the producing of light trucks and pickups under the Sollers brand. What did this give to UAZ itself and those models that are traditionally produced at the enterprise?

All models that are currently produced at the site of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, and will also be produced in the future, have a common genetics — these are frame cars. And with the exception of some light and medium — duty trucks-of course, also all-wheel drive. When working on new projects, we primarily apply technical solutions to the entire model line of the Sollers and UAZ brands. For example, a diesel engine combined with a six-speed gearbox, the production of which is mastered at the enterprises of the Sollers group in Yelabuga and in the Trans-Volga region. This powertrain is installed on Sollers Argo trucks, Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickups. We will use the same combination of engine and transmission in the updated UAZ model range. The first to receive it will be the commercial model UAZ "Profi", and then"Patriot". We expect to launch them in the second and fourth quarters of this year, respectively. If we talk about the development of the site as a whole, the main task is to create a full — fledged industrial park at Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant. And this, in turn, implies the improvement of technologies, because new equipment is purchased for new projects and the existing one is upgraded. This applies to welding, painting, and integration with IT systems. All this gives a total effect on the entire model range.

Can you give examples of such influence?

For example, at the end of January, a new robotic equipment for applying soil was introduced in the company's paint shop. Through it pass the bodies of the entire model range of UAZ, Sollers pickups. This allows you to significantly improve the quality of preparation of the body for applying the enamel itself, which, of course, has a positive effect on the quality of the final paint of absolutely all cars coming off the conveyor. Recently, a new robotic system was also introduced at the welding site. The equipment has a higher accuracy and speed of operation, while providing more reliable articulation of elements. And this work is carried out daily.

Within the framework of integration with foreign partners, are there any plans to create your own new car models?

Of course, there are such plans. Moreover, such work is already underway. For example, we plan to launch production of a new seven-seat frame SUV on the site soon. This will be a model developed by Sollers specialists on the wheelbase of a pickup truck. We plan that the production of the car will begin in Ulyanovsk at the site of the industrial park at the beginning of next year. But let's be patient: as soon as there is news about this project, you will definitely find out.

If we talk about the "UAZ" model, then at the end of the year we will present an updated version of our flagship model - "Patriot". It will still remain a full-fledged SUV, only with modern options and more adapted for comfortable operation. In other words, the emphasis will be on the stylistic component and practicality. In general, we have big plans to update the current model range. This is a necessary evolution. We talk about both technology-gearbox, "razdatka", passive safety-and aesthetics: modern LED optics, interior elements and exterior details. In any case, the brand's genetics are preserved now and will continue to be preserved in the future.

On the basis of UAZ, third-party manufacturers make various special modifications: tank cars, utility vehicles. Why doesn't the factory itself produce such versions?

The plant produces mass-produced special versions, for example, cars for law enforcement agencies, orders for which are confirmed in volumes and have standard requirements. The production of small series is a completely different approach to business, in some ways even individual. For example, in different cities, the requirements for municipal equipment may differ due to the peculiarities of the climate and terrain. That is why UAZ cooperates with partners for whom such a business is a profile one. We supply the basic chassis according to certain requirements, and our colleagues work individually with the customer. This is a well-established practice in the automotive industry.

There is a steady demand for the Loaf, so it will remain on the UAZ assembly line

Does the expansion of the model range of cars produced at UAZ mean gradual abandonment of some old-time models? For example, the same "Loaf" has been used for 67 years. What is her fate?

These processes have nothing to do with each other. Expansion and the appearance of new models does not occur at the expense of already produced ones. Each car has its own customer. Both Loaf and Hunter have it: these cars are in demand, they are needed. And as long as there is a demand for them, the plant will produce them — this is the law of the market. Again, the same "UAZ-469" has changed a lot: for example, the engine originally had a capacity of 70-80 horsepower, now it is already 150. The suspension was upgraded, and additional safety elements were added. During their production life, these vehicles have supplemented their military use with civilian ones in various industries: now they are in demand in agriculture, oil and gas production, utilities and service services, especially in remote regions of the country with bad roads or where there are no roads at all.

"Loaf" is a unique off-road vehicle, extremely simple, repairable in the field, and inexpensive to operate. In skillful hands, he is a worker, a warrior, a builder, and a doctor. It is not for nothing that UAZ was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor for the development and implementation of our classics in production. There is a steady demand for this model, so it will remain on the UAZ assembly line.

UAZ is the most affordable product in its segment

 At the very beginning of our conversation, you told us about the imminent appearance of diesel versions of the "Pro"and " Patriot". What is the reason for the decision to re-introduce modifications based on this fuel to the market? How much share of sales can they take?

This, like any of our decisions, is primarily due to the requirements of the market. If we talk about the "One and a Half", then now in our country the pool of commercial vehicles is formed mainly by diesel cars. The advantages are obvious: high efficiency, serious power reserve and impressive traction during acceleration, while in terms of maintenance intervals and maintenance costs, diesel modifications are comparable to gasoline versions. There is a steady demand for such models, and they will occupy their niche in the market. We expect that they will account for about half of Profi's sales in the future.

Patriot has a different motivation: we see that all full-size SUVs have diesel versions, and we understand that such a modification is also necessary for the flagship model of the UAZ brand. We already have several prototype vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Now they are being tested. We plan to start mass production of them by the end of autumn and bring them to the market.

And what will happen to the prices of diesel"UAZ"?

I don't want to get ahead of myself. Regarding the " Pro " while I can say that the cost of the diesel version, obviously, will be slightly higher than the gasoline one. But at the same time, such a car will still be much cheaper than its closest competitors. At the same time, according to our calculations, all its advantages will compensate for the difference in price relative to the gasoline version of Renault for one and a half to two years of ownership.

As for the diesel "Patriot", at this stage it is too early to talk about the price. It should be understood that, in addition to the engine and gearbox, the car will also receive a new electromechanical "distributor". The flagship will get LED optics, a new multimedia system and an updated interior. We expect that in the total sales of UAZ Patriot, the share of modifications with diesel will be 15-20%. Therefore, we will try to set such a price to ensure these indicators.

Until 2022, the UAZ Patriot line included a version with an automatic transmission. The reasons for her disappearance are clear. But there have already been official announcements of the return of this type of gearbox to the model line. At what stage is the issue of this promising option and can we expect it to appear on other models, for example, on the same "Pro"?

Yes, there are plans to introduce this type of transmission in the UAZ model line. The possibility of equipping a commercial " Pro " with an automatic transmission is also being considered. But the implementation of any unit is a rather lengthy process that requires a thorough approach. After all, choosing a transmission that meets certain technical characteristics and layout solutions is only half the battle. It is still necessary to combine the units, adapt, test, test, certify them, and this takes time. Now we are fully focused primarily on updating the model range. Let's return to the issue of automatic transmission later, after the launch of planned updates in 2025.

Over the past two or three years, prices for new cars have increased significantly. And " UAZ " is no exception. What is the reason for this?

Prices for new UAZ cars increased by 6% last year. This is significantly lower than the official data on inflation in Russia. Of course, there is macroeconomics, the cost of production, which is affected by tariffs for resources, and recently sharply increased costs for logistics, raw materials, and components. Against this background, we strive to actively reduce our own costs, so as not to shift these costs to the consumer. I can say with confidence that at the moment "UAZ" remains the most affordable product in its segment.

Kirill Sazonov