2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
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 in the Soviet Union 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.
Building a factory
It was decided to build the Volga Automobile Plant in 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 hugeproduction of a full cycle, to get the appropriate equipment, but also to train staff.
The history of AvtoVAZ in Tolyatti, 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 replaced very quickly.
The name of the plant was not chosen by analogy with other Soviet productions, which were called, for example, Ulyanovsk or Gorkovsky. This was done for reasons of political correctness. Otherwise, "inappropriate jokes would not have been avoided."
Getting Started
Even before the plant was completed, staff training began. Thanks to the tireless work of the workers, in 1970 the first 6 "kopecks" were produced - the famous Zhiguli car - VAZ-2101.
Demand for cars was such that sales were limited only by production capacity. During the first year, 100,000 of them were produced.
The history of AvtoVAZ (photo of the first cars is presented below) reveals the rapid development of this giant. Almost from the first years, sales were also export-oriented.
In 1973, the VAZ-2101 began to be supplied to the world market. However, this brand had to be renamed Lada. The name "Zhiguli" in Frenchsounded like "Gigolo" (a man who dances for money).
Over time, the Lada brand began to be produced for the domestic consumer. Zhiguli stopped producing.
Increasing production turnover
The history of AvtoVAZ went further. After starting production in 1970 and entering the world market, new models of machines were developed. They were VAZ-2102 and VAZ-2103.
In 1980, the Olympics took place in the USSR and was put on the conveyor "Five" (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 serial 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 all the models of AvtoVAZ (in the entire history 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 model of the Fiat 124 sedan 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 sedans withrear-wheel drive and universal "classic" models.
A short time after the first "Kopeyka" came 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 design. The car had four headlights, chrome accents and an improved dashboard.
Following model improvements
After the release of the first two car models, the history of AvtoVAZ includes several more popular modifications of the Kopeika. 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.
80s Models
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, gearboxgears. 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 body 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.
The plant after the collapse of the USSR
The collapse of the Soviet Union was hard on many large and small industries, including AvtoVAZ. The history of the plant shows that the automotive giant experienced a deep and protracted crisis at this time.
The fact is that in the sad days for AvtoVAZ, the plant was faced with such a thing as "competition". Up to this point, the Soviet consumer purchased cars that rolled off the assembly line very quickly. But now the country is flooded with fashionable, albeit used, foreign-made cars.
In Soviet times, domestically produced passenger 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 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.
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, on the other hand, was losing 17,5% of your 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 has begun.
Post-Soviet car models
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 Tolyatti.
2007 marks 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. He is one of the mostlarge similar 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 you can hardly see them 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 donated it to the museum in 2000, for which he received as a gift a new car that 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 while visiting the children's camp "Artek" during the negotiations on the 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 name of his daughters (Nina and Irina), as well as the sons of the first chief designer of production (Vadim andAndrew).
Concern today
Having gone through 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, by 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.
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