Autoblog

REPORT: Renault delays new Lada products to focus on improving quality

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST

Lada Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

All eyes have been on Renault since acquiring a 25% stake in Russian automaker Avtovaz. The French carmaker headed by the venerable Carlos Ghosn beat out Fiat and General Motors to acquire the interest in Lada's parent company, but then the economy tanked and Ghosn was left holding his hat.

Original plans centered around new product launches to re-invigorate the Russian automaker, starting with the Concept C unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. But Renault has reportedly now changed its strategy, putting new Ladas on hold. Instead, they'll be showing the Ruskies how to build the cars they already build, but better. The plan is apparently taken out of the Volkswagen playbook, as implemented after the German group's acquisition of Skoda, which has apparently been working pretty well for them so far.

The focus of Renault's attention in Russia will start on the existing Kalina, applying lessons which "the West learned over 40 years" on a quicker learning curve. Once Ghosn and company feel Avtovaz has got the quality issue down pat, then it will begin to roll out new products based on Renault and Nissan platforms, currently pegged for somewhere around 2012 to 2014. Better hunker down, comrades: this could take a while.

Gallery: Lada C Concept

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Renault delays new Lada products to focus on improving quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian PM Putin reportedly tells Renault to put up or get out

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Russia

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but with hindsight being 20-20, how many failed ventures can be summed up by that same excuse? Just last year, Russia was looking to foreign investors as one of the most promising emerging markets in the world. Renault got locked into a bidding war with Fiat and General Motors for a large stake in Autovaz, Russia's largest automaker, known to consumers for producing Lada.

Renault won and paid $1 billion for the 25% stake. But one year and one giant global economic meltdown later, that victory is looking more like a liability - the quarter interest is now worth less than a quarter of what Carlos Ghosn and company paid for it. And now Renault is expected to bail Autovaz out of its troubles or else face the wrath of one Vladimir Putin.

The autocratic Russian prime minister, whose government both owns another quarter of Autovaz on the one hand and has extended significant loans to it on the other, has reportedly demanded that Renault cough up some serious dough - $850 million, to be exact - in "emergency loans" to keep the Russian automaker solvent following a nosedive in the domestic market that saw sales plummet a whopping 50 percent and its workforce subsequently cut by a fifth.

Putin is reportedly threatening to further dilute Renault's stake in Autovaz if they don't comply, but while Ghosn has pledged to establish a new joint venture between the two together with sister company Nissan, the cash has yet to flow. With the prospect of folding to Putin's demands threatening to weaken Renault's image in the Russian market and around the world, it seems to be a lose-lose situation.

[Source: Financial Post | Image: Dmitry Astakhov/AFP/Getty]

Russian PM Putin reportedly tells Renault to put up or get out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Russian conglomorate plans merger of top three automotive brands

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Russia

Kamaz Dakar rally team in Moscow's Red Square

While competition between local automakers may have worked in individual markets in the past, that same fragmentation is one of the chief elements hampering the global competitiveness of carmakers hailing from emerging markets. China's automakers have been learning that lesson for some time now, and Russia could be next if national conglomerate Russian Technologies has anything to say about it.

The industrial giant holds major interest in three of the country's biggest automotive companies - including 37.8% of truckmaker Kamaz, 25% of automaker Avtovaz (Lada's parent company) and 30% of engine manufacturer Avtodizel - and it just recently announced preliminary plans to merge the three into a single holding firm called Rosavto.

Critics are already arguing that the limited synergies between the three will be outweighed by the increased bureaucracy. But while Russians may be resistant to conglomeration after decades of oppressively centrally-planned industry, it may be the one thing that could turn Russia's local auto industry around against the backdrop of plummeting sales and suspended production.

[Source: AFP | Image: NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Russian conglomorate plans merger of top three automotive brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloc Rockin' Beater: Twin-turbo Skyline-powered 2105 shows off a Lada intercooler

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Etc., Nissan

Take a close look at the car in these photos. What at first glance appears to be a '70s race car done up for SEMA is actually S. Kartuzoff's Lada 2105 Gladkov Edition. The car has been dubbed "Adrenalin," and as the description says, "It is the Russian car!" with motive power coming from a Nissan Skyline engine that has been boosted by a pair of Garrett turbos. The before-and-after pics show how much work went into creating this oddly classic and simultaneously modern vehicle.

Most of our crew aren't digging the scissor doors, but the intercooler-as-grille idea, well, that's just inspired. And the twin-turbo powertrain? Boffo. Makes us think of all of those glorious IMSA TU cars from the '70s. Cars like the Alfa GTV, Fiat 124, BMW 2002, Datsun 510, and Mazda RX-2 and -3. Check out the small gallery of pics grabbed from the source below, but we urge you to click through for more images of the incredible and unique build. Hat tip to TheFireball.

Gallery: Custom Lada Samara

[Source: CarDomain]

Bloc Rockin' Beater: Twin-turbo Skyline-powered 2105 shows off a Lada intercooler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Putin Power: Even Russian automakers to get a bailout?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Russia

Lada C Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to The Detroit News, Avtovaz, Russia's largest car maker and the home of Lada, is in line for government help. The Russian car industry is faring even more poorly than its counterpart in the U.S., with a 60% drop in sales being predicted. To assist Avtovaz with payments to creditors, a lifeline of more than 20 billion rubles is being discussed (upwards of $588 million USD), which would be close to Avtovaz's total debt to suppliers and banks.

It is also being reported that Avtovaz is looking to sign an investment memorandum for 90 billion rubles ($2.7 billion USD) with a cartel of state-run banks. Compared to the sums being doled out in the U.S. that's not a lada money (sorry, had to...), but if Avtovaz can get the agreements signed, it should be in better standing.

Gallery: Lada C Concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

Putin Power: Even Russian automakers to get a bailout? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Lada C-Cross concept

The Moscow Auto Show is underway and Damon's on site with camera in hand. The car you see here is the Lada C-Cross Concept, which looks kinda like a Chinese knock-off of a last-gen Euro Ford Focus with added ground clearance. The C-Cross show car presumably gives a sneak peek at what a future AvtoVAZ car-based crossover might look like, and if we had to guess, a production version probably isn't too far off. We'll pass on it, though. Our hearts and minds forever belong to the Lada Niva, whose old-school looks are like visual comfort food. Plus, something tells us that this C-Cross thing wouldn't do nearly as well underwater.

Gallery: Lada C-Cross

[Source: The Auto Channel]

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghosn: Nissan not pursuing partnership with Chrysler

Michael Harley — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Renault

According to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan, the Franco-Japanese carmaker is not interested in adding additional alliances with Chrysler at this time. While Chrysler recently inked a deal to have Nissan manufacture subcompacts to sell in South America, that is as far as it goes. "We have an OE deal. Period," Ghosn said during an interview at the Geneva Motor Show.

It seems Nissan's eyes are elsewhere. Watching GM sales in Russia double from 2006 to 2007, and believing the Russian car market may surpass Germany this year, Renault-Nissan wants its share of the pie, too. The first move was taken when Renault purchased a 25% stake in Avtovaz in December 2007. Avtovaz is Russia's largest automaker and the manufacturer of Lada, its best-selling brand. Now, the company needs to quickly transfer Nissan and Renault platforms and engines to Lada in order to modernize its lineup and compete with an increasing number of imported brands. Once that job is complete, Renault-Nissan will move towards assembling vehicles in Russia, as well.

Don't bet that Ghosn isn't still eyeing Chrysler, as he was quick to add, "We are going to continue to do deals with everybody when they make sense." Of course he will.

[Source: Freep]

Ghosn: Nissan not pursuing partnership with Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Renault

Relentless deal maker Carlos Ghosn has never stopped looking for any partnership that would give Renault a plum position in a profitable market. Already close to a Nissan deal with Chrysler working on Renault and Nissan deals in the Middle East, his latest paramour is in Russia. Ghosn has secured himself and four Renault managers seats on the board of AvtoVaz -- the company which, as you're all aware, is more popularly known for the name of its signature vehicle: the Lada.

Ghosn's idea is that Russia will be the hottest thing going in two years, so he needs to book his place now. Renault will take a 25-percent stake in AvtoVaz, and the board members from Renault will be focused on technology and cost-cutting issues. AvtoVaz will still be led by its Russian majority shareholders -- one of which is the State -- but will benefit from the expertise of one of the most efficient men in the business. To boot, they are also in talks with Renault about assembling Logans and Meganes. Who knows -- if Russia really does become that important and AvtoVaz proves itself with the hatchbacks, perhaps it'll get a shot at a Lada GT-R?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lada Niva goes WAY off-road

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:51:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Europe, Videos, First Drive

Click image for photo gallery

If the Russian navy ever runs out of resources completely, perhaps it can retrofit a fleet of Lada Niva 4x4s to serve as a last-ditch coastal defense force. I mean, if a bunch of regular guys can jury rig one to run fully submerged, we're sure the military could gin up some kind of armed variant. Short of that, however, we think we're sold on the apparent toughness of the Niva. Stripped of extraneous interior trim, instruments, and other accessories, the white example shown here was fitted with a homebuilt snorkel system and driven into, under, and out of a lake's murky waters. Why? Who cares? This looks like fun, which is reason enough as far as we're concerned. Follow the jump for video of the whole crazy thing.

[Sources: ZR.ru (via Fresh Pics via Reddit), YouTube]

Gallery: Underwater Lada Niva

Continue reading Lada Niva goes WAY off-road

Lada Niva goes WAY off-road originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posh Russian community bans Russian made cars

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Lifestyle

Russia sure has a knack for offering up the most offbeat automotive news. For even more proof of this, look no further than Zolotye Klyuchi 2 (Golden Keys) housing complex. This complex caters to the well-off in Moscow, and has banned Russian-made cars from its community. Management at the Golden Keys has issued the decree because Russian cars pose "a significant danger to the environment, creating high noise levels." Not only that, but because of their unreliability, they are also responsible for "traffic jams on the territory of the complex." What if your friend, who drives a Lada, wants to visit? Better rent a different car! The only Russian-made vehicles allowed are for deliveries or for emergency services. A casual nod is granted to residents who happen to own Russian cars, but they aren't allowed to be seen. "Don't park such vehicles in the street, put them in the underground parking."

What is the punishment for breaking the anti-Russian-car rule? Ridicule in the form of of a picture of your mistakenly parked car on their website, under the title "transgressors". As if having to drive a Lada weren't bad enough!

[Source: AFP via Yahoo]

Posh Russian community bans Russian made cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Sep 2007 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russia's Deputy Prime Minister admits Russian cars have no "viable future."

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The list of great minds and technological marvels that Russia has gifted the world is most impressive: Sikorsky, Sputnik, Hind, Mig, Ivan Drago (the bad guy in Rocky IV). The fact is, though, that none of those names have to do with cars. The list of automobiles that the Russians have foisted on the world is somewhat ignominious: Lada, Volga, Oda, Moskvitch. Regrettably, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov is so confident that that isn't going to change any time soon that he said there are no "promising" models now and no viable future for Russian car companies.

Of course, being Russia, there is -- or at least could be -- a backstory involving a political competitor, an arms exporter, government funds, and a presidential race. While no one can speak for the future, as far as promising models right now, Ivanov really could be more right than wrong. You can buy the pictured Lada 112 in France right now for 8,200 euros -- but would you really take it over . . . almost anything else?

[Source: Edmunds]

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister admits Russian cars have no "viable future." originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Lada C Concept

John Neff — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show

click above image to view more high-res photos of the Lada C Concept

Though Lada is the punchline of many jokes outside its native country of Russia, the brand run by AvtoVAS has plans for a major export operation that could see more of its cars sold all over Europe, perhaps even in the U.K. Normally we walk right by the Lada booth at various international auto shows, since we've since their cars before... back in the '70s and '80s when they were sold with other brands' badges on their hoods. The Lada C Concept, however, is a genuine attempt by the automaker to design something fresh that's engineered on modern day mechanicals. To achieve that end, a deal was struck with MagnaSteyr, a mercenary engineering and manufacturing firm that will design and build for you whatever you want - for a price. Lada contracted MagnaSteyr to develop the C Concept's mechanicals, which are destined to underpin the automaker's next-generation lineup of cars and CUVs. In addition, MagnaSteyr has developed them to meet European safety and emissions standards, which opens up the door for Lada in many new markets.

It's not known whether the C Concept is destined for production, but the three-door hatch is relatively easy on the eyes, at least compared to the ancient designs of current Ladas. It's powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder, which for its size should provide plenty of grunt.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: Lada C Concept

Geneva Motor Show: Lada C Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: [Eastern] Bloc rockin' beat: Lotus tunes Lada

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Sedan

Though we're not sure how old this is, we figured that you would enjoy another installment of those crazy blokes at Top Gear, this time taking a hapless LADA Riva 1.5E and throwing the nutters at Lotus Engineering something approaching a blank check.

In two weeks time, they turn the 35 bhp four-wheeled apology into a 180 bhp Eastern-Bloc BMW 2002. No mention of the cost involved, but figuring in the quoted 1,000 man hours, plenty of bespoke handiwork (exhaust, seats, etc.) and a premium paint job, it stands to reason that this is the most expensive Riva going. Fortunately, it also appears to be the most fun.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Video: [Eastern] Bloc rockin' beat: Lotus tunes Lada originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russia's LADA set to take on BMW, Alfa Romeo and Chevrolet

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, BMW, Chevrolet

Like most Russian automotive projects, this has been a long time coming -- Russia's (in)famous LADA cars are finally nearing their racing debut in the World Touring Car Championship.

Like the Yugo, early LADAs had a few "quality issues." So much so, that they became the subject of hundreds of jokes ("What do you call a LADA at the top of a hill? A miracle." "Why do LADAs have a heated rear window? To keep your hands warm while you push it," etc.). Questionable reputation notwithstanding, LADA manufacturer Avtovaz announced last year that it would carry the company banner into the spotlight of international motorsport, competing in the 2006 WTCC, a popular racing series for small sedans won last year by BMW.

Designed and built by Avtovaz's LADA Sport group, the LADAs will actually be prepped and raced by Germany's MTEC Sport, with the commercial aspects of the racing effort handled by Mackey Marketing Group out of Atlanta, Georgia. The first race car was finally delivered to MTEC in early March, and evidently there were a few bugs to work out, because the team didn't make the opening round of the WTCC at Monza, and we won't see them at Round 2 in Magny-Cours this weekend. Drivers for the two-car team have not yet been named, either. In fact, Reuters is now reporting that we probably won't see factory entries competing before mid-year.

LADA boasts a 35-year motorsports history in Russia, and its cars have recently competed in the Junior World Rally Championship. Avtovaz is being groomed by the Russian government as the flagship of a (hopefully) resurgent domestic automobile industry, and the international racing program is undoubtedly part of an attempt to establish the company as the equal of its foreign competition. Let the LADA racing jokes begin!

[Sources: MTEC Sport, Speedarena.com, FIA, Reuters]

Russia's LADA set to take on BMW, Alfa Romeo and Chevrolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian domestic auto industry gets a boost

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing

Reuters reported Wednesday that Russia's largest automaker AvotVaz and its second-largest bank VTB have teamed up to implement a $4-5 billion dollar automotive "mega-project" to produce new engines and cars.

AvotVaz, home of the infamous Lada brand, is trying to capture a bigger share of the $22 billion Russian auto market in the face of booming foreign competition.

The new plant will take about 3 years to complete, depending in part on VTB's success in raising the necessary financing.

AvotVaz will face an uphill battle with its foreign competitors - in other news Wednesday, Chinese automaker Chery announced a joint venture to start auto production in Russia, while Nissan is looking for a site for a new plant.

[Source: Reuters]

Russian domestic auto industry gets a boost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Top Gear has Lotus tune Lada

Chris Paukert

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Sedan, Etc.

In two weeks time, they turn the 35 bhp four-wheeled apology into a 180 bhp Eastern-Bloc BMW 2002. No mention of the cost involved, but figuring in the quoted 1,000 man hours and plenty of bespoke handiwork (exhaust, seats, etc.) and a premium paint job, and this is more than likely the most expensive Riva going. Fortunately, it also appears to be the most fun.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Video: Top Gear has Lotus tune Lada originally appeared on Autoblog on . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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