Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Renault delays new Lada products to focus on improving quality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-delays-new-lada-products-to-focus-on-improving-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-delays-new-lada-products-to-focus-on-improving-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-delays-new-lada-products-to-focus-on-improving-q/#commentsFiled under: ,


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]]>avtovazladalada concept clada kalinaLadaConceptCLadaKalinarussiaWed, 25 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Renault could sell 40% of its F1 team to Russian investors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-renault-could-sell-40-of-its-f1-team-to-russian-investo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-renault-could-sell-40-of-its-f1-team-to-russian-investo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-renault-could-sell-40-of-its-f1-team-to-russian-investo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A few weeks back, Toyota announced its departure from Formula One, and it looked like Renault could follow. The team had lost its drivers, its team leaders, its sponsors and its reputation. The French automaker's board convened in France to discuss the matter, but no announcement followed, leaving everyone scratching their heads. Well if the latest rumors hold any truth, we could have our reason.

While the decision may have seemed fairly black or white (should I stay or should I go?) there are plenty shades of gray for Renault to choose from. One option would have been to sell or shutter its team while continuing to supply engines, but now another possibility has emerged: for Renault to sell part of the team but keep the rest.

The reports stem from Turun Sanomat, one of Finland's largest daily papers, which suggests that the French automaker could sell as much as 40 percent of the team to an unnamed Russian company. The move would help Renault raise some much-needed capital to continue its involvement in the sport, but could come with strings attached, including placing GP2 runner-up Vitaly Petrov in a race seat beside Robert Kubica. Considering the hot water Renault's already in with the Russians and how poorly the country's last venture into F1 went, they could prove hesitant, but then Ghosn and company might not have any better options.

[Source: Turun Sanomat via F1-Live]

REPORT: Renault could sell 40% of its F1 team to Russian investors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault f1 teamrenault russiaRenaultF1TeamRenaultRussiarussiavitaly petrovVitalyPetrovThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/crossover-crosses-back-over-russian-designer-pens-maserati-kuba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/crossover-crosses-back-over-russian-designer-pens-maserati-kuba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/crossover-crosses-back-over-russian-designer-pens-maserati-kuba/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Maserati Kuba design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?

The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.

To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.


Gallery: Maserati Kuba design study


[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrey TrofimchukAndrey Trofimchuk SimeonychAndreyTrofimchukAndreyTrofimchukSimeonychkubakubangkubang gtkubang gt wagonKubangGtKubangGtWagonmaseratimaserati crossovermaserati cuvmaserati kubamaserati kubangmaserati kubang gtmaserati kubang gt wagonmaserati sport-utemaserati sport-utilitymaserati sport-utility vehiclemaserati suvMaseratiCrossoverMaseratiCuvMaseratiKubaMaseratiKubangMaseratiKubangGtMaseratiKubangGtWagonMaseratiSport-uteMaseratiSport-utilityMaseratiSport-utilityVehicleMaseratiSuvrussiaSimeonychFri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/russian-designer-works-with-zagato-on-zr1-based-iso-rivolta-mare/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/russian-designer-works-with-zagato-on-zr1-based-iso-rivolta-mare/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/russian-designer-works-with-zagato-on-zr1-based-iso-rivolta-mare/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Iso Rivolta Marella design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Front-engine rear-drive aluminum chassis, 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, high bang:buck ratio... Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 has got it all. No wonder it's proving to be such a compelling choice for coachbuilders. Reviving the time-honored tradition in re-cloaking Vettes with Italian sheetmetal, the resurgent Stile Bertone used the ZR1 as the basis for the Mantide. And now, a Russian design student has teamed up with rival design house Zagato for another coachbuilt supercar concept based on the ZR1.

The Marella design study revives the Iso Rivolta nameplate, as imagined by one Fedor Stetskevich of the Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts. Commonly known as the Stroganov (yes, you sophisticate, like the beef dish) the university was founded in 1825 and stands as one of Russia's oldest design schools. As you can see, Steskevich collaborated directly with Zagato on the project - which currently exists only as a model - and you can see a lot of resemblance to the Perana Z-One. Beyond that, we'll let the work speak for itself, so have a look in the extensive high-resolution image gallery below and you can leave your thoughts in the Comments below that.


Gallery: Iso Rivolta Marella design study by Fedor Stetskevich & Zagato


[Source: CarDesign.ru via CarScoop]

Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet corvette zr1ChevroletCorvetteZr1conceptcorvettecorvette zr1CorvetteZr1design studyDesignStudyfedor stetskevichFedorStetskevichisoiso marellaiso rivoltaiso rivolta marellaIsoMarellaIsoRivoltaIsoRivoltaMarellamoscowrussiastoganovzagatozr1Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aim Higher: GM Daewoo reportedly suing TagAZ over fears they are planning to copy the Lacetti]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/aim-higher-gm-daewoo-reportedly-suing-tagaz-over-fears-they-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/aim-higher-gm-daewoo-reportedly-suing-tagaz-over-fears-they-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/aim-higher-gm-daewoo-reportedly-suing-tagaz-over-fears-they-are/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



In what looks like a serious-but-probably-the-norm case of industrial espionage, General Motors' South Korean Daewoo division is reportedly alleging that the Russian automaker TagAZ has tried to copy its Lacetti sedan. Backing up those allegations are the arrests of two TagAZ engineers - former Daewoo employees who are said to have taken computer files from one company to the other. A third former Daewoo employee, an executive, left notes proclaiming his innocence and then committed suicide.

The two engineers reportedly copied at least 6,000 documents outlining designs and key technologies used in the Lacetti. That information, according to Daewoo, was used by TagAZ in the creation of a car it launched this past summer in Russia. South Korean prosecutors are still investigating the case, after which Daewoo will decide if it wants to pursue the matter for criminal damages. TagAZ hasn't said anything in response to the allegations. If nothing else, this could be good practice for GM - it will now know what to do if it happens at Opel...

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Aim Higher: GM Daewoo reportedly suing TagAZ over fears they are planning to copy the Lacetti originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiadaewoodaewoo lacettiDaewooLacettigm daewooGmDaewooindustrial espionageIndustrialEspionagekorealacettilegalrussiasedansouth koreaSouthKoreatagazWed, 23 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Marussia B2, is that you?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/spy-shots-marussia-b2-is-that-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/spy-shots-marussia-b2-is-that-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/spy-shots-marussia-b2-is-that-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Marussia B2 -- Click above for image gallery

Marussia released two teasers of its new car, the not-so imaginatively-named B2, last week. What the company neglected to do before that was cover up its cars while they were being transported through Moscow. Someone took pictures of them, apparently not even knowing what they were (the blue one is likely the B2, while the red and white number looks like a garden-variety B1).

The source of the photos wrote, "They say the drivers are being commanded not to stop by any means, especially when not in Moscow." Somebody should have told the drivers to cover up. Or get an enclosed trailer. You can check out pics of the Marussia B1 and B2 in the gallery below. Hat tip to Filipp!


Gallery: Marussia B2 and B2 Spy Shots


[Source: English Russia]

Spy Shots: Marussia B2, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b2frankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhybridluxurymarussiamarussia b1marussia b2MarussiaB1MarussiaB2performancerussiaspy shotsSpyShotsMon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/marussia-russias-first-supercar-headed-for-international-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/marussia-russias-first-supercar-headed-for-international-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/marussia-russias-first-supercar-headed-for-international-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marussia B2 teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hybrid Marussia B1 was unveiled last year, and can now be ordered for €100,000 (about $146,000 USD) while it is being prepared for serial production. Two of them will be on display at next week's the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the company's latest car, the Marussia B2, being teased in the photo above. We don't know anything about the new model except that it has been "created in the style of a jet fighter."

Feel free to glean all the details you can in the peek-a-boo shots below, and stay tuned for the complete picture next week when we get to Frankfurt. Hat tip to Gregor!


Gallery: Marussia B2 Teasers


Gallery: Marussia B1


[Source: CarDesign.ru (translated)]

Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhybridmarussiamarussia b1marussia b2MarussiaB1MarussiaB2performancerussiasports carSportsCarSat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Russian conglomorate plans merger of top three automotive brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/report-russian-conglomorate-plans-merger-of-top-three-automotiv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/report-russian-conglomorate-plans-merger-of-top-three-automotiv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/report-russian-conglomorate-plans-merger-of-top-three-automotiv/#commentsFiled under: ,

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]]>autovazavtodizelavtovazfalseladarosautorosavtorussiarussianrussian technologiesRussianTechnologiesWed, 26 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8: The Ultimate Driving Machine?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/22/audi-r8-the-ultimate-driving-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/22/audi-r8-the-ultimate-driving-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/22/audi-r8-the-ultimate-driving-machine/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oligarchical Russian BMW R8 - click above image for high-res gallery

In the pantheon of automotive wrongs, the Slavic hoser behind this "BMW R8" spotted in Moscow is a god. Hang around this car blogging business long enough and you see a lot of terrible things at SEMA. But this thing is almost cake-taking. Some of y'all might remember the Bentley badged up as Hyundai from a couple years back -- but that was at least funny. This Audi/BMW is just... weird. For instance, if the guy's being serious, like, why not just buy an M6? They basically cost the exact the same amount. And also, isn't the Audi R8 somewhat more desirable? We're really at a loss as too why anyone would do this. Your thoughts? And a very special thanks to Justin for bringing this... thing to our attention. Shudder.


Gallery: BMW R8

r8roundel00-1250875642r8roundel10r8roundel20

Audi R8: The Ultimate Driving Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi R8AudiR8BMWBMW R8BmwR8MoscowRussiaSat, 22 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Russian WRC driver nearly flips Citroen C4 in Finland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-russian-wrc-driver-nearly-flips-citroen-c4-in-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-russian-wrc-driver-nearly-flips-citroen-c4-in-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-russian-wrc-driver-nearly-flips-citroen-c4-in-finland/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Evgeny Novikov's Citroen C4 in action - click above to watch video

Oh, my. Talk about a moment filled with more chutzpah than skill. In this short but nonetheless heart-pounding video, Russian rally driver Evgeny Novikov takes a jump at full tilt and nearly backflips his Citroën C4. The close-but-no-crash incident happened during this past weekend's Rally Finland. While we're all for maximum hoonage, this is almost too close for comfort. Watch the video after the jump.

[Source: 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Russian WRC driver nearly flips Citroen C4 in Finland

VIDEO: Russian WRC driver nearly flips Citroen C4 in Finland originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CitroenCitroen C4CitroenC4CitronEvgeny NovikovEvgenyNovikovFinlandRally FinlandRallyFinlandRussiaWRCThu, 06 Aug 2009 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ex-GM VP Bo Andersson to run Russia's GAZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/report-ex-gm-vp-bo-andersson-to-run-russias-gaz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/report-ex-gm-vp-bo-andersson-to-run-russias-gaz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/report-ex-gm-vp-bo-andersson-to-run-russias-gaz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bo Andersson was General Motors' global purchasing group vice president up until last Friday, when he suddenly resigned without warning. Now, we appear to know why he left - Automotive News is reporting that Andersson will become CEO of GAZ, the Russian consumer and military vehicle maker.

As you may recall, GAZ is involved by proxy in the purchase of Opel, since Russian bank Sberbank is GAZ's largest investor and Magna's partner in the pending deal for Opel. With Andersson at the helm, GAZ would have a European automotive industry insider (he also spent time at Saab) and a known cost-cutter and dealmaker. As a result, AN speculates that Andersson could end up playing a key role in the revival of Opel's fortunes.

Andersson's installation as CEO is not a done deal just yet - he still must still be formally voted in by the GAZ board.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Ex-GM VP Bo Andersson to run Russia's GAZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bo anderssonBoAnderssongazgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhiringrussiaTue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GAZ confirms interest in Opel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/gaz-confirms-interest-in-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/gaz-confirms-interest-in-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/gaz-confirms-interest-in-opel/#commentsFiled under: ,



Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin himself has said that at the behest of Magna, Russia's GAZ conglomerate is considering taking a 30% interest in Opel. GAZ, though, has made it clear that it does not want to run or own Opel - what it really seems to want is to have cars to produce at its factory in Nizhny Novgorod. Under such a proposal, Automotive News reports that Magna would take 20% of Opel.

The German authorities are now weighing the offers from Magna/GAZ and Fiat. GM is said to prefer a single bidder, in the guise of Fiat, while Germany was recently said to prefer Magna's proposal because of promises to keep production in Germany. If, however, GAZ's real desire is to increase its Russian production abilities, if it were to take a larger stake in Opel than Magna, there will undoubtedly be conflicts to resolve. And that's before the remaining 50% partners' needs and wishes are taken into account.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

REPORT: GAZ confirms interest in Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatgazmagnamergers and acquisitionsMergersAndAcquisitionsoleg deripaskaOlegDeripaskaopelputinrussiaTue, 12 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ukranian class warfare apparently leads to toasted Chevrolet Corvette]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ukranian-class-warfare-apparently-leads-to-toasted-chevrolet-cor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ukranian-class-warfare-apparently-leads-to-toasted-chevrolet-cor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ukranian-class-warfare-apparently-leads-to-toasted-chevrolet-cor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Torched Corvette in the Ukraine - Click above for a gallery of images

Judging by these photographs, someone in the Ukraine didn't like this Extra-Crispy Chevrolet Corvette. And although the melted plastic lump is being been blamed on "class warfare," it could have been an insurance scam, a tryst gone bad, or some hardcore Grand Theft Auto: Streets of Kiev payback - who knows.

The precedents point to any number of reasons, like the Viper that was flambéed perhaps because of The Mark, or the 14 foreign cars that were torched in Moscow for no reason that anyone could guess. But the result here is still a shame: a charbroiled C6. Tip your hat to a fallen comrade, and check out the gallery of photos below.


Gallery: Torched Ukraine Vette


[Source: English Russia]

Ukranian class warfare apparently leads to toasted Chevrolet Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnedchevroletchevycorvetteetcfirerussiaukraineukranianThu, 16 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the VW Golf that was swallowed by a pothole in Ukraine

Think the roads are bad in your neck of the woods? Growing up just a bit south of Detroit before moving to the sunnier climes of Arizona, this particular blogger has always assumed that Michigan's harsh winters and heavy traffic conspire to make the frost heaved and potholed highways of the Motor City the worst in the world. Apparently, that's not the case, and it's not even close.

The dubious distinction of the world's worst pothole must go out to our friends in Ukraine. The story accompanies the set of photos seen below explains that an underground water pipe may have burst, which created a sinkhole large enough to swallow an entire Volkswagen Golf whole. Fortunately, the car's occupants were able to escape out the back window, which was just about the only portion of the hatchback that wasn't covered by a few tons of dirt and asphalt.


Gallery: Ukrainian pothole swallows VW Golf


[Source: English Russia]

Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Golfikraine sinkholeIkraineSinkholepotholepotholesRabbitrussiarussian potholerussian sinkholeRussianPotholeRussianSinkholesinkholeukraineukraine potholeUkrainePotholeVolkswagenVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfVW GolfVW RabbitVwGolfVwRabbitThu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Putin Power: Even Russian automakers to get a bailout?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/putin-power-even-russian-automakers-to-get-a-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/putin-power-even-russian-automakers-to-get-a-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/putin-power-even-russian-automakers-to-get-a-bailout/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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]]>auto industryAutoIndustryavtovazearningsfinancialsladaputinrussiavladimir putinVladimirPutinTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear Russia debuts, hide the women and vodka]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/top-gear-russia-debuts-hide-the-women-and-vodka/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/top-gear-russia-debuts-hide-the-women-and-vodka/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/top-gear-russia-debuts-hide-the-women-and-vodka/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch episodes of Top Gear Russia

The Russians have succeeded where the Americans have failed: they got a local version of Top Gear on the air. It's got all the familiar elements: fast cars, oddball challenges, timed laps, beautiful shots, beautiful women, explosions, mayhem, and it's even got The Stig, who drives in Russian. Some suggest the versions without subtitles could be better than the versions with, if you aren't attuned to Russian humor. Check out the unsubtitled shows after the jump; if you don't speak Russian and you really have to know what's up, look here.

[Source: Final Gear]

Continue reading Top Gear Russia debuts, hide the women and vodka

Top Gear Russia debuts, hide the women and vodka originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>russiatelevisiontelevision showTelevisionShowtgtop geartop gear russiaTopGearTopGearRussiatv showTvShowvideoSun, 22 Mar 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/spyker-owner-shot-in-apparent-assassination-attempt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/spyker-owner-shot-in-apparent-assassination-attempt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/spyker-owner-shot-in-apparent-assassination-attempt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Spyker C8 in Geneva

Reuters is reporting that Alexander Antonov, the owner of flamboyant Dutch supercar company Spyker, has been seriously wounded in an apparent assassination attempt while leaving his Moscow residence. The Russian billionaire, who is also the chairman of the board of the Konvers Group (a banking concern), was shot along with a bodyguard.

According to the news agency, Antonov has survived the attack and his injuries have been identified as non life-threatening, although he remains in intensive care after being shot five times in the stomach and losing a finger to another bullet. The security guard, shot in the leg, is also in intensive care but is expected to survive.

Moscow police are now investigating the crime, and though they have yet to make any arrests, they apparently suspect that the shooting is related to Antonov's business dealings.

Sources: Reuters; Autocar]

Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingBreaking NewsBreakingNewsDutchRussiaRussianSpykerWed, 18 Mar 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Glory Days: Russia's "Grande Garage" builds Escalade-based GAZ retro rod]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/glory-days-russias-grande-garage-builds-escalade-based-gaz-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/glory-days-russias-grande-garage-builds-escalade-based-gaz-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/glory-days-russias-grande-garage-builds-escalade-based-gaz-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click on the image above to view the GAZ-51 retro truck in high-resolution

Remember the good old days? Well if they were spent under a communist dictatorship, perhaps they were not all that "good." And yet, there are some who still find ways to look back fondly. We're not sure that two vehicles is enough to qualify as a trend, but this is the second Western-built SUV rebodied to look like a "classic" Volga we've seen this year.

While the last one was a Porsche Cayenne with a 60's-era GAZ-21 body shell, this latest example is built on a chassis borrowed from a Cadillac Escalade EXT, redesigned to look like an old GAZ-51 pick-up truck. Authenticity is guaranteed by the big chrome rims on this retro-rod, currently under construction by Grande-Garage for an unnamed Russian plutocrat who apparently wants to remember what it was like before getting rich off no-contest government contracts. Get your papers in order and examine the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: GAZ-bodied Cadillac Escalade


[Source: Cardesign.ru via Carscoop]

Glory Days: Russia's "Grande Garage" builds Escalade-based GAZ retro rod originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escaladerussiavolgavolga gaz-51volga hot rodVolgaGaz-51VolgaHotRodWed, 04 Feb 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Russia expected to be third largest global market by 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/russia-expected-to-be-third-largest-global-market-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/russia-expected-to-be-third-largest-global-market-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/russia-expected-to-be-third-largest-global-market-by-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Russia has long been included under the "emerging markets" umbrella that carmakers have been saying would lead to future industry growth. The economic fallout put an end to those predictions, with Russia suffering just as badly - and if you include the oil sector, some would say even worse - as any other economy. But even though sales are down, Frost & Sullivan predicts that Russia could rebound to be the world's 3rd largest auto market by 2012, behind the U.S. and China.

The prediction is based on steps Russia is taking to strengthen its automotive sector: it is increasing import tariffs and limiting the importation of used cars. The new importation law, similar to one recently passed by Bolivia, reduces the maximum allowable age of an imported car from 7 years to 5. Russia is also reviewing bank lending practices, since the money it flushed into the economy hasn't really had an effect on loan availability yet (not unlike the U.S.).

Lending and the size of the import tariff that Russia imposes seem to be the most important factors in making this prediction come true. But one thing not mentioned in Frost & Sullivan's forecast was oil. When the world economy gets off its knees, the price of oil is going to head for the moon again, and "expensive" oil means more Russians with money, and that could mean a return to more sales, provided the country's oil barons share the wealth. You can read the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Frost & Sullivan]

Continue reading Russia expected to be third largest global market by 2012

Russia expected to be third largest global market by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryauto marketAutoIndustryAutoMarketavtovazeconomyemerging marketsEmergingMarketsetceuropefinancialsgazkamazoilrussiaWed, 21 Jan 2009 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki's Hungarian production halts due to Russia/Ukraine gas dispute ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/suzukis-hungarian-production-halts-due-to-russia-ukraine-gas-di/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/suzukis-hungarian-production-halts-due-to-russia-ukraine-gas-di/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/suzukis-hungarian-production-halts-due-to-russia-ukraine-gas-di/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suzuki SplashRussia and Ukraine are presently in the midst of a natural gas pricing dispute. Russia wants Ukraine to pay closer to market price for the commodity. Ukraine says that Russia should pay more for the use of its pipelines, through which the bulk of the EU's Russia-sourced natural gas flows. Russia has escalated matters by cutting off its gas shipments via Ukrainian pipelines completely, and the EU is scrambling as it deals with shortages. Obviously, there's zero love lost between Russia and Ukraine, and political finger-pointing continues apace. Pricing negotiations resume tomorrow, and EU monitors are likely to get involved.

In the meantime, the effect is already being felt in the European industrial sector. Hungarian government restrictions on industrial gas usage have forced Magyar Suzuki to cease production entirely. The automaker's Esztergom plant, located around 30 miles outside Budapest, produces the Suzuki Swift; the Suxuki SX4 and Fiat Sedici; and the Suzuki Splash / Opel Agila twins. Suzuki hopes to get Esztergom back online this coming Monday.

[Sources: WaPo, WSJ, Reuters]

Suzuki's Hungarian production halts due to Russia/Ukraine gas dispute originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hungarynatural gasNaturalGasrussiasuzukiukraineWed, 07 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST