AvtoVAZ
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AvtoVAZ (АВТОВАЗ) is a Russian automobile manufacturer, also known as VAZ, Volzhsky Automobilny Zavod (ВАЗ, Во́лжский автомоби́льный заво́д ), set up in collaboration with Fiat. It produces nearly one million cars a year, including the Samara, Lada 110 and the Niva, a 4x4 vehicle. The variations of their first car, the model VAZ-2101, based on the 1966 Fiat 124 and introduced in 1970, are still produced and remain the cars most associated with its Lada brand.
The VAZ factory is one of the biggest in the world, has over 90 miles (144 km) of production lines and is unique in that most of the components for the cars are made in-house.
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Origins
The plant was set up as a collaboration between Italy and the Soviet Union and built on the banks of the Volga river. A new town named Togliatti, named after an Italian communist, was built around the factory. The Lada was envisaged as a "people's car" like the Citroën 2CV or the VW Beetle.
The lightweight Italian Fiat 124 was adapted into something intended to survive treacherous Russian driving conditions. Among many changes, aluminium brake drums were added to the rear, and the Fiat engine was revised and converted to overhead camshaft operation. The suspension was raised (to clear rough Russian roads) and the bodyshell was made from thicker, heavier steel. The first Lada models were equipped with a starting handle in case the battery went flat in Siberian conditions, though this was later dropped. Another feature specifically intended to help out in cold conditions was a manual auxiliary fuel pump.
Engines fitted to the original Ladas start with the 1.2 L carburettor in the original and go up to the 1.7 L export model set up with a General Motors single point fuel injection system. Diesel engines were fitted for export only. The drivetrain is a simple rear wheel drive setup with a stiff rear axle. The engine is an inline four with two valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft.
Lada2101.jpg
The Fiat-based Ladas feature various headlight, trim and body styles. The original, Fiat style models included VAZ 2101 sedan and VAZ-2102 station wagon. 1972 saw introduction of deluxe version of the sedan, VAZ-2103, which was based on Fiat 124 Speciale and featured new 1.5L engine and twin headlights. In 1974, the original VAZ-2101 was updated with new engines and interiors; VAZ-2102 underwent the same improvements in 1976. These original models were manufactured until 1984.
The VAZ-2106 introduced in 1976 was an updated verion of VAZ-2103, featuring different interiors and new 1.6L engine. 2106 is the oldest and the most popular rear-drive model of AvtoVAZ, its production continued until 2001 and still carried on by licensees.
VAZ-2105, still based on the 2101 but updated to 80s styling, was introduced in 1980. Square headlights and new body panels distinguish this style from the old models. A deluxe version, VAZ-2107, was out in 1982; it featured a better engine, refined interiors and Mercedes-like radiator grille. In 1984, the VAZ-2104 station wagon completed the line-up.
In the domestic market, these classic models were called Zhiguli. The Lada name was used for exports only, but a large share of Ladas was reexported from Eastern block countries, so the brand was well-known in the domestic market as well.
Non-Fiat models
AvtoVAZ designers proved that they have some original ideas when VAZ-2121 Niva was introduced in 1978. This highly popular city car was made with off-road use in mind, featuring full wheel drive, original hull style and the most powerful 1.7L engine in the VAZ range. The Niva is still in production.
Based on the success of the Niva, the design department prepared the new family of front wheel drive models by 1984, a completely domestic design; the body is not unsimilar to Fiat Regata though. Production started with VAZ-21083 Sputnik 3-door hatchback; the series were later renamed Samara. Although the engines are still slighly modified Fiat 124 ones, the line-up features completely new body and interiors, front McPherson suspension and rear torsion bar, rack steering and updated 5-speed gearshift. 5-door VAZ-21093 hatchback followed in 1987, and 4-door 1.5L sedan, VAZ-21099, was introduced in 1990. The same year, the front sides and radiator grille were restyled on the whole Samara range.
The 2108-2109 models were in production until 2001, when they were restyled with new side panels, interiors and 1.5L fuel injection engines. Lada 2109 hatchback was rebadged as Lada 2114, and Lada 21099 sedan was rebadged as Lada 2115. The 2104-21099 model range was transferred to IzhMash and ZAZ and is still being manufactured. In 2004 VAZ also introduced Lada 2113, a restyled version of Lada 2108.
VAZ-1111 Oka micro-car, which closely resembles Fiat Panda, was introduced in 1988, and in 1991 the production was transferred to KamAZ and SeAZ factories.
The break-up of the USSR delayed the production of new 110-series by a couple of years. The VAZ-2110 sedan was introduced in 1996, the 2111 station wagon followed in 1998 and the 2112 hatchback completed the range in 2001. These models are basically based on Samara technology with a new hull and fuel injection engines as standard.
The VAZ-2120 Nadezhda minivan is based on original Niva and is in low-volume production since 1998. A five-door version of the Niva, the VAZ-2131, has been in production since 1995.
Market share
Changes to emissions- and safety-legislation meant that AutoVAZ withdrew from most Western markets by the late 1990s; often, there were also problems with spare parts. In the USA they were never sold due to the cold war, but they were available in Canada (where the Niva was quite popular) however Canadians travelling in the USA in a Lada found out that some gas stations refused to sell fuel to them due to anti-Soviet sentiment. The rise in popularity of Far Eastern imports from newly established manufacturers such as Daewoo, Proton, Kia and Hyundai contributed to Lada's demise in the West. These Korean and Malaysian-manufactured vehicles offered modern Japanese-developed technology, reliability and high equipment levels which Lada could not hope to compete with.
Though the original Lada, and as of the early part of the new millennium the Samara, have now been withdrawn from Europe, the Lada 110 and the Niva are still sold on the European market, as are the more modern models. The Lada is widely available in many Central- and South American countries as well as Africa, the Middle East and in all of the former Soviet Union.
In early post-Communist Russia, a bizarre export market for unwanted Lada vehicles began to emerge. A shortage of both cars and spare parts led to armies of Russian speculators coming to the West (where the cars were considered unfashionable to the point of ridicule and therefore worthless), to buy thousands of Lada cars for export back to their home country. Most of export Lada Samara cars were reexported back in 1994-1996 and they sold very well, due to popular belief that export Ladas are produced with better care than domestic versions. For this reason, Ladas are a relatively rare sight nowadays in Western European countries, although AvtoVAZ has since developed a new generation of Lada cars and is bidding to return to these markets.
Recent developments
As AvtoVAZ was allowed to sell cars to private dealers in late 1980s, mathematician Boris Berezovsky arranged to resell the cars to the public through his LogoVAZ dealerships. In 1993 he started a campaign to collect funds for the people's automobile and created the AVVA venture, which stands for All-Russian Automobile Alliance; the AvtoVAZ held a major share in the venture. The plans were to build a completely new plant for production of Opel Corsa-class car, VAZ-1116. However, the financial crisis of 1998 put these plans to an end. The development concepts of 1116 made a foundation of the Lada Kalina range.
GM-AvtoVAZ, a joint-venture with General Motors, adopted updated version of Niva, VAZ-2123, that was considered for production since the 1990s. Named Chevrolet Niva, it's being built on the venture's plant since 2001 and is exported to Europe and Latin America. In 2004, the Chevrolet Viva, a four-door version of the Opel Astra G, was introduced.
VAZ has also tried to get into the sportier markets: several Ladas were factory-tuned and given a Momo steering wheel. A convertible was also produced. In 2003, VAZ presented the concept car Lada Revolution, an open single seater sportscar powered by a 1.6 L engine producing 215 hp. There are other experimental cars like VAZ-210834 Tarzan SUV concept, VAZ-211223 110-series coupe, VAZ-1922 monster truck and VAZ-2359 pick-up both based on Niva etc.
2005 will see the introducion of the new B-class Kalina lineup to the market. AvtoVAZ has built a new modern plant for this model and hoping to sell some 200,000 cars annually. Production of Lada 1118 sedan started production in November 2004; the Lada 1119 hatchback and Lada 1117 station wagon with updated DOHC 1.6L engines are to follow in 2005–6. The restyled 110-series model, Lada 2170, is set for production in 2006.
By 2006, AvtoVAZ plans to build a plant for Ecotec FAM-1 engines; they are to be used in both GM-AvtoVAZ and Lada cars.
The object of jokes
The original Lada is often thought of as a 'rugged' car, lacking in most modern luxuries expected in modern cars. While sanctions banned their export to the United States, Ladas were available in several Western countries during the 1980s, including Canada and Britain, where, due to a perception of poor quality and their low price, they became the subject of jokes such as these (which are also frequently used for the Yugo):
- Q: How do you double the resale value of a Lada?
- A: Fill it up with petrol.
- Q: Why do Ladas come as standard with rear window defrosters?
- A: So your hands stay warm while you're pushing it.
- Q: What do you call a convertible Lada?
- A: A Skip.
They were along the same line as jokes known for other affordable car models:
- Ford - also known as Found On Road Dead or Fix Or Repair Daily
- Fiat - Fix It Again Tomorrow or Fix It Again Tony!
In 1982 Lada became the sponsors of the Classic snooker tournament and offered any player who made a 147 break a Lada; Steve Davis (who achieved it) later commented that the players had joked that the prize for nearly doing so but missing the final black was two Ladas.
Models
Each model has internal index that reflects modifications level, based on the engine and other options installed — for example, the VAZ-21102 variant has the 1.5 L 16V engine, while the VAZ-21104 uses the latest 1.6 L 16V fuel injection engine. Since 2001, trim levels are also indicated by including a number after the main index: '-00' means base trim level, '-01' means standard trim and '-02' designates deluxe version; for example, VAZ-21121-02 means Lada 112 hatchback with 1.6L SOHC engine in deluxe trim level.
The car's name was formed from 'VAZ-index model name. The classic Fiat-derived models were known on the domestic market as Zhiguli (Жигули) until late-1990s, when the name was dropped; thus, the 2104-2107 range, as well as 110-series, actually lack a model name. The restyled Sputnik range was renamed Samara but the Niva and the Oka retained their names. By 2000s, the VAZ designation was dropped from market names in favour of Lada and simplified export naming conventions were adopted, so VAZ-2104 effectively became Lada 2104, VAZ-2110 became Lada 110, VAZ-2114 became Lada Samara hatchback or Lada 114 and so on.
Classic Zhiguli
| Index | Engine | Export name | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2101 sedan | ||||
| 2101 | 1.2L | Lada 1200 | 1972-1982 | |
| 21011 | 1.3L | Lada 1300 | 1974-1981 | |
| 21013 | 1.2L | Lada 1200S | 1977-1983 | |
| 21016 | 1.5L | Police version | ||
| 2102 station wagon | ||||
| 2102 | 1.2L | Lada 1200 Combi | 1972-1983 | |
| 21021 | 1.3L | Lada 1300 Combi | 1978-1986 | |
| 21022 | 1.2L | |||
| 21024 | 1.3L | |||
| 21025 | 1.5L | Lada 1500 Combi | 1978-1986 | |
| 21026 | 1.5L | |||
| 2103 sedan | ||||
| 2103 | 1.5L | Lada 1500 | 1972-1984 | |
| 21033 | 1.3L | Lada 1300S | 1972-1984 | Export only |
| 21035 | 1.1L | Lada 1100 | 1977-1984 | Export only |
| 2106 sedan | ||||
| 2106 | 1.6L | Lada 1600 | 1976-2001 | |
| 21061 | 1.5L | Lada 1500L | 1976-1988 | |
| 21063 | 1.3L | Lada 1300SL | 1976-1988 | |
| 21064 | 1.6L | Lada 1600SL | Deluxe version, export-only, 5-speed gearshift | |
| 21065 | 1.6L | 1990-2001 | Deluxe version, 5-speed gearshift | |
| 2104 station wagon | ||||
| 2104 | 1.3L | Lada Nova Break/Estate/Family 1300 | 1984-1994 | |
| 21041 | 1.6L | Lada Laika | 2000-2004 | 5-speed gearshift |
| 21043 | 1.5L | Lada Nova Break/Estate/Family 1500 | 1984-2004 | 5-speed gearshift |
| 21044 | 1.7L | Lada Nova Break/Estate/Family 1700 | Export only; CPI fuel injection from GM | |
| 21045 | Export only; licensed diesel engine | |||
| 2105 sedan | ||||
| 2105 | 1.3L | Lada Nova/1300L | 1979-1995 | |
| 21051 | 1.2L | Lada Junior/1200L | 1979-1995 | |
| 21053 | 1.5L | Lada Nova/Laika | 1979-2004 | |
| 21054 | 1.6L | Police version; additional fuel tank and battery | ||
| 21059 | Police version; comes with VAZ-4132 Wankel engine | |||
| 2107 sedan | ||||
| 2107 | 1.5L | Lada 1500SL/Riva/Laika | 1982-2004 | |
| 21072 | 1.3L | 1982-1995 | ||
| 21073 | 1.7L | Lada Riva/Laika | 1991-2001 | Export only; CPI fuel injection from GM |
| 21074 | 1.6L | Police version; additional fuel tank and battery | ||
| 21079 | Police version; comes with VAZ-4132 Wankel engine | |||
Original
| Index | Engine | Export name | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2121 Niva off-roader | ||||
| 2121 | 1.6L | Lada Niva | 1977-1993 | Four wheel drive |
| 21213 | 1.7L | Lada Niva | 1993 | Four wheel drive; restyled rear door |
| 21214 | 1.7L | Lada Niva | 1993 | Four wheel drive; restyled rear door; CPI fuel injection from GM |
| 2131 Niva off-roader | ||||
| 2131 | 1.7L | Lada Niva | 1995 | extended 5-door version of 2121 |
| 2108 Sputnik 3-door hatchback | ||||
| 2108 | 1.3L | Lada Samara 1300 | 1984-2001 | |
| 21081 | 1.1L | Lada Samara 1100 | 1984-1996 | Export only |
| 21083 | 1.5L | Lada Samara 1500 | 1984-2001 | |
| 21083i | 1.5L | Lada Samara 1500i | 1993-2001 | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 21086 | 1.3L | Lada Samara 1300 | 1990-1996 | Export only; right-hand drive for United Kingdom |
| 21087 | 1.1L | Lada Samara 1100 | 1990-1996 | Export only; right-hand drive for United Kingdom |
| 21088 | 1.5L | Lada Samara 1500 | 1990-1996 | Export only; right-hand drive for United Kingdom |
| 1706 | 1.5L | Lada Chelnok | 1990 | Pickup truck version of 2108 |
| 2108-91 | Police version; comes with VAZ-415 Wankel engine | |||
| 2109 Sputnik 5-door hatchback | ||||
| 2109 | 1.3L | Lada Samara L 1300 | 1987-1997 | |
| 21091 | 1.1L | Lada Samara L 1100 | 1987-1996 | Export only |
| 21093 | 1.5L | Lada Samara L 1500 | 1990-2001 | |
| 21093i | 1.5L | Lada Samara L 1500i | 1993-2001 | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 21096 | 1.3L | Lada Samara L 1300 | 1990-1996 | Export only; right-hand drive for United Kingdom |
| 21098 | 1.5L | Lada Samara L 1500 | 1990-1996 | Export only; right-hand drive for the United Kingdom |
| 2109-90 | Police version; comes with VAZ-415 Wankel engine | |||
| 21099 Sputnik sedan | ||||
| 21099 | 1.5L | Lada Samara Forma 1500 | 1990-2001 | |
| 21099i | 1.5L | Lada Samara Forma 1500i | 1993-2001 | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 210993 | 1.3L | Lada Samara Forma 1300 | 1990-2001 | |
| 1111 Oka micro-car | ||||
| 1111 | 0.7L | 1988-1990 | Licensed to SeAZ and KamAZ | |
| 11113 | 0.8L | 1990 | Kama, produced at KamAZ | |
| 2123 Niva | ||||
| 2123 | 1.7L | Chevrolet Niva | 2001 | Never appeared under Lada/VAZ brand; produced by GM-AvtoVAZ; multi-point fuel injection |
| 2120 Nadezhda minivan | ||||
| 2120 | 1.8L | 1998 | Based on 2131; Carburettor | |
| 21204 | 1.7L | 1998 | CPI fuel injection from GM | |
| 2110 sedan | ||||
| 2110 | 1.5L | 1996-2001 | Carburettor | |
| 21102 | 1.5L | Lada 110 | 1998-2004 | 8V i |
| 21103 | 1.5L | Lada 110 | 1998-2004 | 16V i |
| 21101 | 1.6L | Lada 110 | 2004 | 8V i |
| 21104 | 1.6L | Lada 110 | 2004 | 16V i |
| 21105 | 1.7L | 1996-?? | Carburettor | |
| 21106 | 2.0L | Opel C20XE Ecotec engine (external tuning) | ||
| 21108 | 1.8L | Lada Premier | A "limousine" with increased wheelbase and up-stroked engine (external tuning) | |
| 2111 station wagon | ||||
| 21110 | 1.5L | Lada 111 | 1998-2004 | 8V i |
| 21111 | 1.5L | 1998-2001 | Carburettor | |
| 21113 | 1.5L | Lada 111 | 2000-2004 | 16V i |
| 21114 | 1.6L | Lada 111 | 2004 | 16V, i |
| 2112 hatchback | ||||
| 21120 | 1.5L | Lada 112 | 2000-2004 | 16V, i |
| 21122 | 1.5L | Lada 112 | 2000-2004 | 8V i |
| 21121 | 1.6L | Lada 112 | 2004 | 8V i |
| 21124 | 1.6L | Lada 112 | 2004 | 16V i |
| 2113 Samara 3-door hatchback | ||||
| 21130 | 1.5L | Lada Samara | 2004 | Restyled 21083; 8V i |
| 2114 Samara 5-door hatchback | ||||
| 21140 | 1.5L | Lada Samara | 2001 | Restyled 21093; 8V i |
| 2115 Samara sedan | ||||
| 21150 | 1.5L | Lada Samara | 2001 | Restyled 210993; 8V i |
| 1118 Kalina sedan | ||||
| 11170 | 1.6L | Lada Kalina | 2004 | 8V i |
| 1119 Kalina hatchback | ||||
| 11190 | 1.6L | Lada Kalina | due 2005 | 16V i |
| 1117 Kalina sation wagon | ||||
| 11170 | 1.6L | Lada Kalina | due 2006 | 16V i |
| 2170 Priora sedan | ||||
| 2170? | Lada Priora | due 2006-2007 | ||
| 217? Priora hatchback | ||||
| 217?? | Lada Priora | due 2006-2007 | ||
See also
List of automobile manufacturers
External links
- Lada official site (in Russian) (http://www.lada-auto.ru/)
- Lada category at ODP (http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Lada/)
- Official history of Lada line-up (in Russian) (http://history.vaz.ru/cars/)
- Technical specs of various Lada cars (in Russian) (http://www.avtomarket.ru/scripts/info/tech/?brand=5|)
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