Autoblog

Dual power windows... emphasis on "dual"

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:08:00 EST

To paraphrase the Almond Joy commercial, sometimes you feel like a tint, sometimes you don't. In states like California, having any tint on your front windows is verboten. It's only casually enforced, but it's still illegal. In that case, something like this setup might come in handy: a Russian gent on installed two power windows in one door, and tinted one of them.

We don't know how much alteration was required to make the setup work on this car (it appears to be a Lada/VAZ model); one commenter asked if the door's support ribs had to be removed in order to fit the duplicate systems. Check it out for yourself in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Dual power windows... emphasis on "dual"

Dual power windows... emphasis on "dual" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lada gears up for racing campaign with new Granta Sport

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Russia, MISC, Racing

Lada? Racing? We've got to be kidding, right? Only we're not. While the Russian automaker may not have the motorsport pedigree of, say, Ferrari or Porsche, there's reason enough to believe it's getting serious.

One reason is its new corporate cousins at the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which owns part of Lada's parent company AvtoVaz and which never fails to get each of its divisions - from Renault in Formula One to Nissan in GT racing to Dacia in the Andros Trophy - on the track. Another is its history, however limited it may be, of competition in the World Touring Car Championship. Lada was contesting the WTCC just a couple of years ago, and in announcing the arrival of the new Granta, confirmed that it would be making a comeback. And this is the car with which it'll do it.

Called the Granta Sport, this adaptable racer will form the basis for a number of racing categories. One is the WTCC, which Lada will contest this year at two rounds (Hungary and Portugal) with an eye towards expanding to a full-season challenge in 2013. Another is the Granta Cup, a one-make racing series which Lada will field in Russia. Finally, an S2000-compliant version is reportedly in the works that would let privateer teams enter the Granta Sport in any of a number of racing series around the world.

Aside from the 1995 Chrysler Sebring coupe calling to ask for its fake plastic grille back, few details are available as to the Granta Sport's technical specifications, but we have the distinct feeling that Renaultsport has had a hand in its development. One way or another, you can scope out the high-res images in the gallery for a closer look.

Lada gears up for racing campaign with new Granta Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lada steps out of the Cold (War Era) with new Granta budget sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Russia

It's not every day that Lada comes out with a new car. In fact, the Samara - which the model you see here is set to replace - has been on the market pretty much unchanged since 1997. (And that's not even their oldest model: the Niva 4x4 has been out there since 1977.) So the launch of the new Granta is a bit of an occasion for the Russian automaker and its parent company, AvtoVaz.

Based on the Kalina hatchback, the new Granta sedan is about as bare-bones as they come. For the equivalent of about $7,500, buyers born under Soviet rule get steel wheels, manual windows and... little else. A higher trim level with power steering, locks and windows, plus a stereo and ABS, goes for about $8,500. GPS, stability control and side-curtain airbags are options. Either way, it's got an old-school eight-valve 1.6-liter four that drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual, though a 16-valve 1.4-liter is on its way.

A competition version is also set to take on the World Touring Car Championship. You might be inclined to laugh, but if a Dacia can take on the Andros Trophy and Pikes Peak....

Lada steps out of the Cold (War Era) with new Granta budget sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch Fifth Gear drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, UK, Russia, Off-Road

If you happen to have a soft spot for ugly, inexpensive four-wheel-drive machines that can outperform substantially newer and more expensive vehicles, don't watch the video after the jump.

If you choose not to heed our guidance, you may just find yourself desperately searching for a way to get your hands on a Lada Niva. Fifth Gear recently undertook a unique challenge. While the Niva hasn't been sold new in the UK for years, specialty importers can still slide one your way for a small fee and a smile. The whole kit will set buyers back around £11,000, or about $17,000 at current conversion rates.

That makes the Niva the cheapest four-wheel drive on the UK market right now. But is it worth it? Fifth Gear took to the network of unpaved roads that envelope the UK countryside in a bid to crawl their way across the island by spending as little time as possible on paved roads. How did the plucky little Soviet-era machine do? Hit the jump to find out. Just remember: we warned you.

Continue reading Watch Fifth Gear drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva

Watch Fifth Gear drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Russia's AvtoVAZ finally turns a profit after many years

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Russia

During the first quarter of 2010, Russian automaker Avtovaz lost 2.6 billion rubles ($85M U.S.). In the second quarter it made almost a third of that back when it posted a net profit of one billion rubles ($32.7M U.S). The spike came courtesy of Russia's cash-for-clunkers program, which more than doubled the firm's sales over Q1 numbers to 149,100 cars.

The cars that sold were reported to be mainly "older and cheaper models." In response, Russian Prime MInister Vladimir Putin advised Avtovaz CEO Igor Komarov to modernize the company, rather than flogging ancient Lada designs even if the flogging is good. Komarov said Avtovaz is sending a team of 500 to study Renault's manufacturing methods, which could mean they're finally getting around to that technology sharing broached almost a year ago. Now if we could just get that Lada C concept built...

[Source: BBC]

Report: Russia's AvtoVAZ finally turns a profit after many years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lada Samara Diva transformed into life-size robot

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Design/Style

Lada Transformer - Click above for image gallery

If comically obscene and offensive ghettofied twin robots aren't your thing - and we certainly hope they are not - allow us to introduce you to a transforming automobile that is in much better taste. Designer Nikola Nikolov took his first car, a Lada Samara Diva, cut it apart and welded it all back together to form the finished product you see here.

The artist describes his created as standing "in a position of ready surprise. He is in the moment between knowing what he was and knowing what he has become." No, we're not quite sure what that means either. Regardless, we think this 6.5-foot-tall, 200-pound robot statue is pretty darn awesome.

Gallery: Lada Transformer

[Source: Studio Re-Creation via Gizmodo]

Lada Samara Diva transformed into life-size robot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Teasing the crocodile-skin covered Bentley Continental GT

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Bentley, Russia, Design/Style, Luxury

Click above to view the video after the jump

Oh, Russia. How could a country that gave us the Lada - a car so right it hasn't changed since disco was king and coke his queen - turn around and provide the world with this monstrosity. If you've just eaten, allow us to provide a word of warning: the video after the jump isn't for weak stomachs. A company out of the motherland has taken it upon itself to swaddle a Bentley Continental GT in a unique wrap. While tuners and motorsports teams have been dipping their favorite cars in different color vinyl for years now, a few enterprising souls have decided to take things to a whole new level.

Instead of relying on vinyl, this particular tuner decided to cover the entirety of the Bentley coupe in African Buffalo hide. But wait, there's more! The hides are stamped with a crocodile skin pattern, giving the whole disaster a distinctly exotic feel. As momma used to say, there's no accounting for taste, son. Mildly NSFW video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Teasing the crocodile-skin covered Bentley Continental GT

Video: Teasing the crocodile-skin covered Bentley Continental GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Renault F1: Sponsored by... Lada!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Russia

Renault R30 F1 car - click above for high-res image gallery

Renault F1's got itself a new sponsor: Lada. The Russian automaker's logo will appear on the R30 racing cars, as seen above, as well as the driver and crew uniforms. The announcement was made at a meeting held this Monday in Moscow, attended by Vladimir Putin, Carlos Ghosn, new Renault F1 pilot Vitaly Petrov, and a gaggle of other functionaries.

If you think the Lada sponsorship has anything to do with Renault F1 bringing the Russian rookie on board as the full-time #2 driver alongside lead guy Robert Kubica, you're right. It pretty much has everything to do with it, as both Genii Capital (the majority stakeholder in Renault F1) and Renault-Nissan (25% stakeholders in AvtoVaz, Lada's parent) actively work to advance their interests in Russia.

Petrov's hiring is part of a broader overture toward Russia (on Monday, Ghosn came right out and said that Petrov's nationality played a role in his selection), and the Lada sponsorship is obviously a reciprocal act. And it may not be the last one, either, as Putin indicated during Monday's meeting that Russia (i.e. Lada) could increase its sponsorship involvement in the future.

Clearly, the most important takeaway from all this, however, is that the idea of a shirtless Vladimir Putin, watching the Monaco GP from the deck of a Typhoon-class sub moored among the superyachts in Monaco Harbor, no longer seems completely outlandish.

Gallery: 2010 Renault R30

[Source: Renault F1, Government of the Russian Federation via Autoblog UK, Crash.net]

Renault F1: Sponsored by... Lada! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

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

Filed under: Renault, Russia

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lada Niva goes WAY off-road

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

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

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments