In the 60s of the last century, several brands of cars were produced in the USSR. "Zaporozhets", "Volga" and "Muscovites" will forever remain in the memory of the citizens of our country as nostalgia for those distant times. But at that time there were not enough cars. It was almost impossible to find them on the open market. Machines were distributed according to lists at large enterprises.
To meet the growing demand for four-wheeled vehicles, the country's leadership decided to build a new car factory. As planned, he was supposed to take the main place in the production of passenger cars. It is from this moment that the history of AvtoVAZ begins. Its construction took place very quickly (2 times faster than planned). Equipment for technological cycles was created not only at the factories of the USSR, but also at a number of other socialist states, as well as the countries of the USA and Europe.
Plant creation
It was decided to build the Volga Automobile Plant in the city of Tolyatti. To do this, the country's leadership concluded in August 1966 an agreement with the Italian concern Fiat, which helped in the construction of the auto giant. They not only had to build a huge full-cycle production facility, bring in the appropriate equipment, but also train the staff.
The history of AvtoVAZ in Togliatti, even at the stage of creation, knew a small incident. The fact is that the emblem for the new brand of cars was invented by Soviet artists. The idea of the sketch belonged to one of the capital's leaders A. Dekalenkov. But the Italians were supposed to make these logos. "Fiat" created the first thirty emblems with an error. In the name of the city "Togliatti" the letter "I" ended up as the letter "R". The marriage was quickly replaced.
The name of the plant was not chosen by analogy with other Soviet productions, which were called, for example, Ulyanovsk or Gorky. This was done for reasons of political correctness. Otherwise, "inappropriate jokes would not have been avoided."
Beginning of work
Even before the completion of the construction of the plant, personnel training began. Thanks to the tireless work of the workers, in 1970 the first 6 "kopecks" were produced - the famous Zhiguli car - VAZ-2101.
The demand for cars was such that sales were limited only by the possibilities of production. During the first year, they were produced in the amount of 100 thousand pieces.
In 1973, VAZ-2101 began to be supplied to the world market. However, this brand had to be renamed Lada. The name "Zhiguli" in French sounded like "Gigolo" (a man dancing for money).
Over time, the Lada brand began to be produced for the domestic consumer. "Zhiguli" stopped producing.
Increasing production turnover
In 1980, the Olympics were held in the USSR and were put on the Pyaterka conveyor (VAZ-2105). However, although these models were in enviable demand, the “six” (VAZ-2106) became the most popular in the entire history of the plant. It was put into mass production in 1976.
The production capacity of AvtoVAZ was provided by five plants. From 1966 to 1991, it included the Belebeevsky plant "Avtonormal", Skopinsky and Dmitrovgrad auto-aggregate plants, TPP VAZ and AvtoVAZagregat.
"Kopeyka" and "Troika"
Remembering everything (in the entire history of the existence of the auto giant), one cannot but pay tribute to its first offspring. These were VAZ-2101 and VAZ-2103. The first in the last two digits of the model number was popularly nicknamed "Penny". The second car began to be called the "troika".
"Kopeyka" was a sedan model adapted to the conditions of Soviet roads. The clearance of the domestic car was increased from 110 to 175 mm. Also, the developers have strengthened the brakes and suspension. This car was a symbol of the Soviet era of cars in the 70s. "Kopeyka" became the ancestor of rear-wheel drive sedans and universal "classic" models.
A short time after the first Kopeyka rolled off the assembly line, the Troika was put into mass production. At that time, it was called the "luxury" model. It was a thoroughly redesigned "penny". Particular attention was paid to had four headlights, chrome elements and an improved dashboard.
Further model enhancements
After the first two released, the history of AvtoVAZ includes several more popular modifications of the Kopeyka. After its serious restyling, VAZ-2104, 2105, 2106 and 2107 were put on the conveyor. The most popular among them was the Six. It was the prototype of the Fiat 124 Speciale. For more than 30 years of production of this model, 4.3 million VAZ-2106 have been sold.
The other three car brands also sold well. The designers developed rectangular headlights that were fashionable at that time. The salon has also been seriously redesigned. The engine of the car was also upgraded. "Six" and today is considered a fairly popular car.
Models of the 80s
The history of JSC "AvtoVAZ" in the 80s of the last century tells about a new stage of production. At this time, a completely new generation of Sputnik vehicles was developed. For the corresponding index in the room, as with previous models, the people dubbed the car the "eight". It was characterized by a wedge-shaped front end. For this, the VAZ-2108 was also called the "chisel".
The model had a new engine, gearbox. She had front wheel drive. The shape of the car had more aerodynamics than previous cars. The body had a power structure. The auto giant developed this model together with Porsche. The Germans helped the domestic manufacturer in creating everything except design.
After some time, the VAZ-2108 with a five-door hatchback and sedan went on sale.
At the end of the 80s, the small Oka was developed. Its prototype was the Daihatsu Cuore of the 1980 model. Subsequently, in addition to AvtoVAZ, Oka was also produced by SeAZ and KaMAZ.
Plant after the collapse of the USSR
The collapse was hard on many large and small industries, including AvtoVAZ. The history of the plant shows that the automotive technology giant experienced a deep and protracted crisis at that time.
The fact is that in sad days for AvtoVAZ, the plant was faced with such a concept as “competition”. Up to this point, the Soviet consumer purchased cars that rolled off the assembly line very quickly. But now a flood of fashionable, albeit used, foreign-made cars has poured into the country.
In Soviet times, domestically produced cars improved little. Therefore, compared with imported cars, they did not hold water. The plant was faced with the need to reduce production volumes. Over 25% of jobs have been cut. Even state support did not help. To equalize the demand for foreign and domestic cars, high customs duties were introduced. But that didn't help much.
Working in a Crisis
The history of AvtoVAZ tells about really hard days for the company. Insufficient demand for obsolete car models, the struggle for the right to own the enterprise did not contribute to overcoming the crisis.
Moreover, the crisis of the financial system further contributed to the deterioration of affairs. The state supported the dying production in every possible way. But the accumulated internal and external problems could not be solved only by these measures.
Cases of mass theft of products and components were recorded. These were huge sums even for such a large enterprise. In 2009, the decline in sales was a record and amounted to 39% compared to 2008.
Huge investments were required to save the country's largest automobile plant. Anti-crisis measures were developed. Having solved its internal and external problems, the enterprise could get back on its feet.
Way out of the crisis
AvtoVAZ survived a long deep crisis. The history of the plant has more than 15 years of decadent, unpromising production in conditions of insufficient demand. However, a way out was still found. In July 2009, an agreement was reached between Russian Technologies and Renault-Nissan. It was decided to increase the authorized fund of AvtoVAZ. Renault-Nissan invested 240 million euros in it (this amounted to 25% of all shares) and three times the amount of Rostekhnologiya (while increasing its share in the authorized capital by 44%). Troika Dialog was losing 17.5% of its share.
In addition, it was decided to give the position of chief designer to Steve Mattin, who previously held a similar position in such global companies as Mercedes and Volvo. A period of gradual revival began.
AvtoVAZ, whose history of creation and work knew many ups and downs, during the crisis is characterized by a slight update of models. So, in the early 90s of the last century, the VAZ-2110 became one of the few new models. It was a sedan developed on the basis of the G8. This car had a rather original body, as well as interior design.
After him, for about 10 years, production did not know significant updates. The crisis that befell the previously prosperous plant affected all areas of its activity. Only in 2003, on the basis of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture, the Chevrolet Niva was put into serial production. A year later, the production of sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons of the Kalina type was launched in Togliatti.
2007 is marked by the release of a new model of the auto giant Lada Priora. To stimulate consumer demand in 2011, Kalina was replaced by its cheaper version of Grant. In 2012, a modified version of the Renault Logan universal type Lada Largus was put into production.
AvtoVAZ Museum
The AvtoVAZ concern has a rich history. Therefore, it is not surprising that he has his own museum. It is one of the largest such institutions in our country. The AvtoVAZ History Museum is located in Tolyatti. It is dedicated to the well-known not only domestic, but also foreign brand "Lada".
This museum presents only exhibits that are especially significant for the history of the plant. There are the first models of Granta, Largus, Kalina produced after the collapse of the USSR. Also in the museum you can find cars that are no longer in production, but are unlikely to be seen on the streets of the cities of our country.
The entire history from the first day of the plant's operation to the present is kept within the walls of the famous museum. The first "cherry" penny, sold through the company's branded network, is now on display here. It was operated by its owner for about 19 years. He gave it to the museum in 2000, for which he received as a gift a new car, which had just begun to go on sale.
Some interesting facts
A brief history of AvtoVAZ would be incomplete without some interesting facts. For example, the Niva (or VAZ-2121) was the only domestic car ever sold in Japan.
The city in which the car plant was built was previously called Stavropol. But in 1964 it was renamed in honor of P. Togliatti, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Italy. He died during a visit to the Artek children's camp during negotiations on a future co-production.
The chief designer of the Niva, P. M. Prusov, says that this name was given to the car by the first letters of the names of his daughters (Nina and Irina), as well as the sons of the first chief designer of production (Vadim and Andrey).
Concern today
Having survived a deep crisis, the concern is gradually getting back on its feet. The history of AvtoVAZ deserves respect. After all, in spite of everything, the cars descending from its assembly lines were a symbol of that era. Perhaps now they are somewhat behind their foreign counterparts. But with the right approach, it will be possible to improve the automotive industry.
The largest car manufacturer in our country has a future. With a competent approach, it can bring a lot of profit to the country. After all, even such old models as the "six" and "seven" are still in demand both among the citizens of our country and on the territory of all post-socialist countries. Therefore, applying new technologies, developing new models with improved qualities of both mechanisms and design, it is possible to bring the auto giant to a new level.
LADA is a brand owned by JSC AVTOVAZ, the largest Russian car manufacturer. Now the company is owned by the Renault-Nissan alliance and produces cars under the brands LADA, Renault, Nissan and Datsun. The main production and headquarters are located in the city of Togliatti.
The Togliatti manufacturer was born in 1966, when the leadership of the USSR decided to build a large automobile plant, which was supposed to produce affordable cars for personal use. Then in the Soviet Union there were only expensive cars in very limited quantities, which did not satisfy the demand from the population.
Before the start of construction, an agreement was signed with the Italian automobile concern Fiat, which developed a technical project, supplied equipment and technical documentation, and trained specialists. Many AVTOVAZ models were built on the basis of Fiat cars.
The construction of the plant started at the beginning of 1967 and was announced as a shock Komsomol construction site. It was carried out at an accelerated pace, 844 machine-building plants of the Soviet Union and more than 900 plants from other countries were involved in the supply of equipment.
In 1970, the plant produced the first cars - the Zhiguli VAZ-2101, which repeated the design of the Fiat-124. However, the Soviet car was assembled from domestic components and, according to its designers, had more than 800 differences with the Italian counterpart. She received drum brakes instead of discs, increased ground clearance, reinforced bodywork and suspension. All this made the VAZ-2101 more suitable for operation in the conditions of roads and temperatures of the Soviet republics.
The car was equipped with a carburetor gasoline engine with a more advanced design of the upper camshaft. It was presented in two versions: 64- and 69-strong. The volume of the first was 1198 cm3, and the second - 1294 cm3. The maximum speed, respectively, was 142 and 148 km / h, and the acceleration time from start to 100 km / h was 20 and 18 seconds.
The model required improvements, which were carried out by engineers as complaints were received. Therefore, she could no longer claim the role of a cheap "people's car". However, this did not prevent her from becoming popular in the USSR, where there was an acute shortage of vehicles.
VAZ-2101, nicknamed "penny", became the ancestor of the "Classic" family and was produced until 1988. During this time, 4.85 million VAZ-2101 units with a sedan body of all modifications were produced. For the release of this car, the Volga Automobile Plant received the international award "Golden Mercury".
VAZ-2101 (1970-1988)
In March 1971, the first stage of the Volga Automobile Plant was put into operation, designed to produce 220,000 units annually. Already on July 16 of the same year, the 100,000th car rolled off the assembly line.
In 1972, the second model of AvtoVAZ, the VAZ-2102, was released. In fact, it was a copy of the "penny", converted into a rear-wheel drive station wagon. She was called "the best friend of the summer resident" because of the practicality and spaciousness.
VAZ-2102 (1972-1985)
In the same year, the production of a more powerful Zhiguli modification began - the VAZ-2103 model, which was named LADA 1500 for export. It was already equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with 77 hp. The maximum speed has increased to 152 km / h. The new model gained "hundred" in 16 seconds, which put it on the same level with Western competitors in the same class. In fact, the car was copied from the Italian Fiat 124 Speciale of 1968 with processing for use on the roads of the USSR.
The car also received a more comfortable, spacious and beautiful interior, a trunk trimmed with plastic and improved sound insulation. It was produced for 12 years, during which the plant produced 1,304,899 units of the model.
VAZ-2103 (1972-1984)
In 1976, the most popular model of the Togliatti automobile plant, the VAZ-2106, was released, the prototype of which was the Italian Fiat 124 Speciale of 1972. The car replaced the VAZ-2103, and none of its creators expected such a wild success with the public.
VAZ-2106 was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 75 hp, which allowed it to accelerate to 152 km/h.
In appearance, the “six” received a new front fascia, a rear trunk panel, other bumpers, side direction indicators, wheel covers, and ventilation grilles.
In the cabin, the upholstery and armrests of the doors have changed, and the front seats have height-adjustable headrests.
In addition, the car was equipped with a windshield washer switch under the steering wheel, an alarm, a low brake fluid level indicator and a dashboard lighting rheostat. More "advanced" versions received a radio, a red fog lamp and rear window heating.
VAZ-2106 (1975-2005)
In 1977, one of the most successful AvtoVAZ cars appeared - the Niva, VAZ-2121. This all-wheel drive SUV with a 1.6-liter engine and a frame chassis was successfully exported: more than 50% of produced cars went abroad.
It was equipped with a mechanical four-speed gearbox, a lockable center differential and a two-stage transfer case.
On the world market, Niva became a real sensation, arousing a desire among the leaders of the automotive industry to create something similar. Success was ensured by innovative technical solutions (independent front suspension, all-metal load-bearing body) and a low price.
In 1978, Niva was recognized as the best car in its class at the international exhibition in Brno. In 1980, the model received a gold medal at the Poznań International Fair.
The Volga Automobile Plant decides to produce special versions of the VAZ-2121, the first of which are exported: a modification with a 1.3-liter engine and a right-hand drive version.
It is worth noting that in the homeland "Niva" was bought up not as intensively as abroad. It was quite expensive both to purchase and to operate. At the same time, domestic consumers did not always need such a large car.
VAZ-2121 (1977)
In 1979, the VAZ-2105 was released, which was produced by the automobile plant for the longest time - until 2010. Its development took place as part of the modernization and preparation program for the second generation of rear-wheel drive cars of the brand.
It became the successor to the “penny”, as well as the basis for the creation of the “luxury” VAZ-2107 sedan in 1981 and the VAZ-2104 station wagon in 1984.
VAZ-2105 (1979-2010)
In 1982, the last model from the representatives of the "classics", the VAZ-2107, appeared. It, in fact, is a "luxury" modification of the VAZ-2105, which was distinguished by a more powerful engine, different bumpers and headlights, a radiator grille, a new hood shape, more comfortable front seats, an updated dashboard and the presence of cold air deflectors.
In the early 80s, it became obvious that the future belongs to front-wheel drive cars. In addition, the car factory felt the need to change the design. As a result, in 1984, the production of the three-door Samara hatchback, VAZ-2108, began.
The car and its five-door modification "Sputnik", VAZ-2109, were distinguished by excellent dynamics and controllability, unpretentiousness to the quality of the road surface and high maximum speed.
VAZ-2108 was equipped with a four-cylinder four-stroke carburetor or injection engine with a volume of 1.1, 1.3 or 1.5 liters. This motor is specially designed for use in a front wheel drive vehicle.
VAZ-2108 (1984-2003)
VAZ-2109 was a "family" variation of the "eight", which was presented as a more solid car.
The front-wheel drive novelty, of course, became an event in the domestic automotive market, but it had a number of drawbacks. In particular, it was not as cheap and easy to repair as the “classic”, it received less comfortable pedals and an oil receiver and engine crankcase that quickly failed.
In 1990, the Togliatti automobile enterprise released a four-door version of the family with a sedan body - VAZ-21099. She became the last model that came out before the collapse of the USSR.
The first car produced in the post-Soviet period was the "ten" - VAZ-2110. It was developed back in 1989, but the crisis years did not allow production to begin in 1992, as previously planned.
VAZ-2110 began to be produced only in 1995. It was equipped with one of two engine options: an 8-valve 1.5-liter 79 hp. or 16-valve 1.6-liter, developing 92 hp. The car belonged to the highest class in the Samara family, which could compete with Opel Astra, Audi 80 and Daewoo Nexia.
Over time, many modifications of the model came out, among which were cars with a station wagon, hatchback and coupe. Until the advent of LADA Priora, the "ten" was considered the most expensive and prestigious domestic car.
VAZ-2110 (1995-2007)
The successor to the VAZ-21099, the four-door sedan VAZ-2115, appears in 2007. The novelty received a spoiler with an additional brake light on the trunk, body-colored bumpers flowed around the thresholds, new taillights, door moldings and a more comfortable interior.
At first, the model was equipped with 1.5- and 1.6-liter carburetor engines, since 2000 - a power unit with distributed fuel injection.
In 1998, the first Russian minivans appeared - the VAZ-2120. The model was based on an extended platform, borrowed from the Niva, and equipped with an all-wheel drive chassis, which helped to overcome the most difficult road conditions.
The car was produced in small batches until 2008, when production was stopped due to low demand and poor quality.
VAZ-2120 (1998-2008)
In 1993, the development of a new car called Lada Kalina began. The design went on for quite a long time, in 1999 the first prototype debuted in a hatchback body, a year later - a sedan, and in 2001 - a station wagon.
The first generation of the model was produced from November 18, 2004. Since July 2007, LADA Kalina has received a new 1.4-liter 16-valve engine, and since September, an ABS system.
The model has been constantly updated. So, in 2010, a version appeared with a black “basalt” interior and a standard audio system.
On May 1, 2011, AVTOVAZ announced the cessation of production of the LADA Kalina sedan, which was replaced by the budget LADA Granta.
LADA Kalina (2004)
In 2008, the Renault-Nissan Corporation bought out a 25% stake in JSC AVTOVAZ. The next year, the company met with a lump of financial problems that caused a reduction in production by almost half.
The car company needed state support, and it allocated 25 billion rubles as an interest-free loan, and also included the entire AVTOVAZ model range in the state program for subsidizing car loan rates.
In September, there were mass layoffs at the enterprise, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation stated that the car plant was in a pre-bankruptcy state, and therefore state support was inappropriate. It was proposed to cut about 50,000 employees.
In November, Renault put forward a proposal to organize the production of cars of the LADA, Renault and Nissan brands based on the B0 platform at the Volga Automobile Plant. The help of the French contributed to the fact that the company received additional funding from the government. This helped to overcome the financial crisis and even turn a profit in 2010.
On December 12, 2012, the creation of a joint venture between the Renault-Nissan alliance and the Russian Technologies State Corporation was announced. By the end of 2013, the new joint venture owned 76.25% of the shares of JSC AVTOVAZ.
On June 18, 2014, Renault-Nissan increased its stake in AVTOVAZ to 67.13%.
In the current LADA portfolio, the Priora model with a sedan body appeared in 2007. The following year, a hatchback car came out, and in 2009, a station wagon. The car is equipped with an 8-valve engine with 81 hp. or 16-valve 98 hp
It is the successor to the VAZ-2110, representing its restyled version. In appearance, the front and rear fenders, trunk lid and hood, bumpers, lighting equipment with fog lamps, alloy wheels, radiator lining have changed.
The interior was developed jointly with the Italian studio Carcerano. There was a new front panel, a silver console pad, a new armrest with two niches, better upholstery, a driver's airbag, and improved sound insulation.
LADA Priora (2007)
On May 16, 2011 serial production of LADA Granta started. This car was developed on the basis of the Kalina model. In March 2013, a modification with a liftback body appeared, which, among other things, differed in the shape of the rear side doors, the front bumper and the location of the rear license plate.
The model is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with distributive injection and three power options - 87, 98 and 106 hp.
As soon as the car went on sale, it caused a rush of demand from buyers. The queues for the novelty stretched until March 2012.
LADA Granta became the first car of the Togliatti automobile plant, on which an automatic transmission was installed in series - a four-range transmission of the Japanese company Jatco.
LADA Granta (2011)
In 2012, LADA Largus appeared, developed jointly with Renault on the Logan platform. The car is produced in station wagon, high-capacity station wagon and cargo van versions. In this case, the passenger version can be five- or seven-seater.
LADA Largus (2012)
Now the LADA range includes five families of cars: Largus station wagon, Granta sedan and liftback, Priora sedan, hatchback and station wagon, Kalina hatchback and station wagon, as well as three- and five-door 4x4 models. Separately, it is worth noting the cross-versions of the popular station wagons Largus and Kalina, which replenished the model line of the brand at the junction of 2014-2015, as well as the 4x4 Urban adapted for the city. All produced cars comply with international environmental standards Euro-4, and those that are exported to Europe - Euro-5.
LADA Kalina Cross, Largus Cross, 4x4 Urban
In 2014, the automaker occupied 17% of the Russian passenger car market. Production, in addition to the Togliatti Automobile Plant, is organized in the Russian cities of Syzran, Izhevsk, Serpukhov and Naberezhnye Chelny, in Ukrainian - Lutsk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, Kremenchug, as well as in Ecuador, Egypt, Uruguay.
Although passenger cars were produced in the USSR in the 60s of the last century, they were in incredible shortage. "Victory", "Volga", "Moskvich" and "Zaporozhets" were distributed exclusively according to the lists of enterprises, and it was most often possible to purchase them even at the place of work only through great pull. On July 20, 1966, after analyzing 54 different construction sites, the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Soviet government decided to build a new large automobile plant in the city of Togliatti. The preparation of the technical project was entrusted to the Italian automobile concern FIAT. On August 15, 1966, in Moscow, the head of FIAT, Gianni Agnelli, signed a contract with Alexander Tarasov, Minister of the Automobile Industry of the USSR, to create an automobile plant in the city of Togliatti with a full production cycle.
(61 photos)
The territory of the future automobile plant, 1966.
The first tent at the future construction site. In the center of the group is the General Director of the Volga Automobile Plant V.N. Polyakov, 1966
On January 3, 1967, the Central Committee of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League declared the construction of the Volga Automobile Plant an All-Union shock Komsomol construction site. Thousands of people, mostly young people, went to Tolyatti to build the auto giant.
The construction of the domestic auto giant was entrusted to the Administration of Kuibyshevgidrostroy. In January 1967, the first cubic meter of earth was excavated at the construction site.
The personnel department of Kuibyshevgidrostroy received thousands of letters from those wishing to take part in the construction of the plant. Everyone understood that building and then working at the VAZ meant being at the epicenter of modern life, and the possibility of obtaining an apartment in Togliatti was more likely than anywhere else.
Nikolai Semizorov, head of the Kuibyshevgidrostroy department, recalls that he was simply struck by the scope of the construction. In four years, it was necessary to build a plant, a thermal power plant, the Avtozavodsky district of Togliatti and much more with a total cost (according to the most conservative estimates) of over two billion rubles.
The state did not spare money for the construction of the VAZ. In a short time, Kuibyshevgidrostroy from a large construction organization, even if it has the construction of the Volzhskaya HPP named after V.I. Lenin, really turned into a giant.
The technical design of the automobile plant was drawn up by the Italian automobile concern FIAT with the participation of the Promstroyproekt institute. Teams from more than 40 design institutes of our country took direct part in the design of the future giant.
Since 1969, labor collectives of the plant began to form, most of them were people who built the plant.
The installation of production equipment produced at 844 domestic factories, 900 factories of the socialist community, by firms in Italy, Germany, France, England, the USA and other countries, continued.
V.N. Polyakov, the first director of VAZ, who led the plant from 1966 to 1975.
Laying the floor along the main conveyor, 1969
Building management VAZ.
Various musical groups often came to the construction site.
Kiosk "Soyuzpechat" next to the construction site.
The first VAZ car was based on the FIAT-124 model, which in 1965 won the title "Car of the Year" in Europe. In the photo - the first FIAT at the Dmitrovsky training ground.
In parallel with the construction of the plant, FIAT-124 was tested at the Dmitrovsky auto test site. Tough domestic conditions turned out to be too tough for the “Italian”, to put it mildly. Already after 5,000 km the car almost had to be thrown out. At FIAT, the body practically “crumbled”, the unsuitability of the chassis, and especially the brakes, to our realities was revealed. The ground clearance of the “Italian” of 110 mm turned out to be too small in the difficult road conditions of the Union. It was decided to increase it. True, when the Italians found out that the Russians were going to “raise” the car 17-17.5 cm above the ground, they seriously asked: “Are you not going to build roads in Russia?”
The first Zhiguli on the assembly line, 1970.
On April 19, 1970, the first six VAZ-2101 Zhiguli cars, now known in most foreign countries as Lada, rolled off the main assembly line of VAZ. The first-born lived up to the expectations of its creators. Driving performance was excellent, and major repairs were required only after the car had traveled a distance equal to ten trips from Moscow to Vladivostok.
The role of the first-born "VAZ" in the history of the domestic automotive industry can not be overestimated. With its appearance, the Soviet automotive industry has stepped more than one step forward. For 14 years spent on the assembly line, about 3,000,000 "kopecks" rolled out of the factory floor.
In 1973, the VAZ car got another name - "Lada", intended for a foreign consumer. One version of the choice of this name says that the AvtoVAZ designers on the eve of the day accidentally heard the then-popular song “You don’t need to frown, Lada.” In other stories, an analogy is drawn with the trademark of the enterprise "Ladya", which appeared almost simultaneously with the "Zhiguli". One way or another, everyone immediately liked this name.
"VAZ" go to work.
Thousands of new cars went to different cities of the Soviet Union and neighboring countries.
The general director of the Volga Automobile Plant introduces the secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU A. Kirilenko to the workshops, 1973
Plant from a bird's eye view.
New cars are waiting for their departure.
Already in December 1973, the millionth car was produced at the plant.
Model VAZ-2108, made in full size from plasticine.
In December 1979, the first prototype of the VAZ-2108 car was assembled in the experimental workshop.
CHP VAZ (the largest in Europe, at the time of construction) and a car factory.
New machines at the sites of the plant.
The first, produced in 1970, VAZ car, with serial number 0000001, had one owner in Samara and again became the property of the plant in 2000, is stored in the museum. (years of production VAZ-2101 1970-1981)
The millionth VAZ-2103 is stored in the AvtoVAZ Museum. (years of production VAZ-2103 1972-1983)
AvtoVAZ's newest production model, the Lada Granta, was launched on the assembly line at the end of 2011.
Brief information: the total area of the production buildings of the automobile plant is 2.1 million square meters. m, length of conveyors - 150 km, technological equipment - 16.5 thousand units. During the construction of the plant, 213 km of highways, 180 km of railways were put into operation, 6 million cubic meters of monolithic and prefabricated reinforced concrete were laid, and 300 thousand tons of metal structures were assembled. To understand what place the Volga Automobile Plant occupied in the hierarchy of the Soviet automobile industry, it is enough to know the following fact: in the mid-60s, all existing plants in the USSR produced the same number of cars, including trucks and buses, as AvtoVAZ was designed for - 660 thousand cars a year.
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Pavel | Jun 21I want to publicly give a gift to the sales consultant SHEK OLEG NIKOLAEVICH, for the service rendered to him. I have been to many car dealerships, I won’t say which ones, but ...
Alikeev Stas | Jun 18I wanted to thank the manager Simonyan Armen for his help in choosing a car, he did his job competently. I went to the salon at VDNKh on June 7, 2019, I didn’t think that I would choose ...
Suhrab | Jun 17Good day! I express my gratitude to the manager Egor Efimov for the work done and help in choosing and buying a car. As well as to all employees and co-workers...
Bystrov Maxim | Jun 16And what, exactly, to say? All my fears were in vain. Manager Alexander Litvin worked with me. He was extremely attentive, polite and...
Andrew | Jun 16Today we left Sormovskaya in a new car, and all thanks to Nastya Shestakova!!! More of these girls in car sales! Extremely satisfied with the service...
Yana Sizova | Jun 2Hello! On May 7, I visited a salon at Kashirka 41. Manager Peter Vumberov is a master of his craft. He showed everything. We found a car. Color We agreed on a car for the day after tomorrow ...
Alex | May 30Thanks to sales consultant Alexander Litvin! Very satisfied with the purchase! Professional and polite approach, efficiency and humanity!
Margarita | May 24
I bought a car the other day on the Kashirskoye Highway. I must say that the car is the first new! Nothing much to compare with. But how I liked everything, guys. Can't be put into words. I had two vendors. The beautiful Natalya Krechetova, who met us and told us everything and designed and Petya Vunberov, from whom we then took the car. Came for the first time, stayed on the strength of 30 minutes, maybe an hour. They looked at the car, left a thousand rubles, and a few days later they took it ready, beautiful, ours! This is service, this is care. Natasha and Petya you make people happy, you are great fellows. The machine only pleases. I will come to you again, for a car for my sister.
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I want to publicly give a gift to the sales consultant SHEK OLEG NIKOLAEVICH, for the service rendered to him. I have been to many car dealerships, I won’t say which ones, but it doesn’t matter. I was looking for a car, I went to a car SALON LADA pokashirke41, I was MET by OLEG NIKOLAEVICH, explained I was interested, and my brother and I decided to buy a car in the salon. A loud explanation in cars convinced us to stop by buying your showroom. Competent consultants success in car sales, THANK YOU OLEG NIKOLAEVICH for your help. There are a lot of sales salons, and very few smart consultants. Friends, I suggest everyone to contact LADA SALON, you will be satisfied.
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I wanted to thank the manager Simonyan Armen for his help in choosing a car, he did his job competently. I went to the salon at VDNKh on June 7, 2019, I didn’t think that I would choose a car so quickly, I’m satisfied with the car I bought and the quality service. Well done
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Good day! I express my gratitude to the manager Egor Efimov for the work done and help in choosing and buying a car. And also to all employees and employees of the car dealership on the street. Red Pine. Wish you all the best! Thank you!
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And what, exactly, to say? All my fears were in vain. Manager Alexander Litvin worked with me. He turned out to be an extremely attentive, polite and just a nice young man. He explained all the nuances of the acquisition of the Lada Grant, suggested something, advised. I dreamed of buying a red car, but there were no such cars in the salon, and after 10 minutes of talking with Alexander, I already became a fan of the techno color (silver-gray) and I don’t regret it at all. The team is friendly and competent, I recommend Varshavka, 56, Lada Hermes salon and manager Alexander Litvin to everyone !! Come!
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