PSA Bronto
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | AvtoVAZ research division (origin) |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Fate | Integrated into VIS-AUTO and dissolved |
| Headquarters | Russia |
Area served | Russia |
Key people | Pyotr Prusov (engineer, notable for Lada Bronto Marsh-1) |
| Products | Armored cars, SUVs, off-road vehicles |
| Parent | VIS-AUTO (from 2012) |
PSA Bronto () was a Russian manufacturer focused on specialized vehicles and SUVs, founded in 1993 and ceasing operations in 2015. The company maintained a close partnership with AvtoVAZ, and the Bronto name continues to be utilized.
History
PSA Bronto originated in 1993 as part of the AvtoVAZ research division, producing armored cars and SUVs derived from the Lada Niva. By 1994, sales exceeding 200 units allowed the company to broaden its project scope.
One of the prominent models was the Lada Bronto Marsh-1, an off-road vehicle equipped with oversized balloon tires, developed by AvtoVAZ engineer Pyotr Prusov. It was unveiled at the 1995 Moscow motor show and designed for extreme terrains such as swamps and heavy snow. Early deliveries included areas like Surgut and Nadym, with Yakutia's government acquiring more than 30 units by 2002.
Starting in 1996, PSA Bronto manufactured armored cash-in-transit vehicles for Sberbank of Russia, producing a total of 500 units. This partnership continued until 2002, introducing updated versions based on the Nadezhda and Lada Niva chassis. In 2004, the Bronto-194900 model was launched utilizing the Chevrolet Niva platform.
In 2002, development commenced on the Marsh-2 all-terrain vehicle built upon Lada Nadezhda and Niva platforms. This model could seat eight passengers with flexible seating arrangements that allowed conversion for patient transport. It incorporated two 70-liter fuel tanks and supported both gasoline and diesel engines. JSC Centrenergo RAO UES of Russia was among its initial clients.
The year 2005 saw PSA Bronto introduce the "Landole," an open-top vehicle based on the Niva platform designed by Sergey Samoilov, alongside a prototype electric car called "Brontokar."
By 2009, the firm released a camouflaged SUV lineup on the Niva Lynx platform, including Lynx-1 through Lynx-3 models—the latter also known as Niva Bronto 213102-771-40 Force Comdiv.
In 2012, PSA Bronto was integrated into VIS-AUTO, with formal dissolution occurring on January 1, 2015.
Ongoing use of the Bronto branding
In 2021, AvtoVAZ launched a premium trim bearing the Bronto badge for the Lada Niva Legend. Production involved cooperation between VIS-AUTO and AvtoVAZ, where VIS-AUTO managed primary assembly while AvtoVAZ handled welding and painting operations.