VAZ: history of creation and development. OJSC "AvtoVAZ"

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Volga Automobile Plant was established in the 60s of the last century. This production was simply necessary at that time. With its construction, the government sought to satisfy the need of Soviet citizens for a personal car. VAZ was originally planned as the largest production of the machine-building industry of the USSR. Over the years of its work, the legendary company has known ups and downs. His cars are still found in large numbers on the roads of our country.

New VAZ models have also been developed. The history of the auto giant is eventful and interesting for every motorist. After all, the power of this production was not equal throughout the Soviet Union.

Creation of production

The history of the creation of the auto giant begins in the mid-60s of the last century. In 1966, it was decided to build a machine-building production in Togliatti. AvtoVAZ was created very quickly.

Equipment involved in technological cycles was produced at factories not only in the USSR and its friendly countries, but also at enterprises in Europe and the USA.

In August 1966, the country's leadership signed an agreement with the Italian Fiat. This concern helped to build a legendary production in Togliatti. The Italians not only took an active part in the construction process, but also taught the technology of the technological cycle to the staff.

At this stage, a small incidental situation is known. A mistake was made in the emblem, invented by Soviet artists. When it was released, the Italians in the word "Tolyatti" instead of the letter "I" wrote the letter "R". The marriage was quickly eliminated.

Interesting facts

The history of the creation of the VAZ would be incomplete if several interesting facts were not considered. During the period of negotiations with representatives of the Italian Communist Party, the Soviet leadership was developing a plan for the construction of a huge machine-building enterprise in the city of Stavropol. In 1964 it was renamed Togliatti.

This decision was not made by chance. The name of the city where the plant was built was given in honor of P. Togliatti, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Italy. He suffered a sudden death during a visit by his delegation to the pioneer camp "Artek". During this period, Soviet leaders discussed with their partners the details of the upcoming joint venture.

To honor the memory of the General Secretary, the city where the first AvtoVAZ plant was built was named after him.

Getting Started

Since 1970, the work of the famous VAZ began. The Volga Automobile Plant was being built at an accelerated pace, so the first batch of Kopeeks was born very soon. itlegendary model VAZ-2101. It was produced in the amount of 6 pieces. This car was given the name "Zhiguli". During the first year of operation of the enterprise, 100 thousand machines were created, which were distributed among the workers of Soviet enterprises as incentives for shock work.

Demand for Zhiguli was limited only by the production capacity of VAZ. The history of development also speaks of the export direction of sales of the auto giant's products. Only for deliveries abroad, the name "Zhiguli" was changed to Lada. The first name in French sounded like "zhigalo", that is, a man dancing for money.

Model development

After the start of production in Togliatti AvtoVAZ, new models appeared. VAZ-2102 and VAZ-2103 entered the world market. These were modifications of the Kopeika, already beloved by everyone.

From 1966 to 1991, production facilities were concentrated in 5 main factories. The first general director of AvtoVAZ, Polyakov V. N. (photo below) and the entire workforce of the plant adapted the first model of cars to the conditions of domestic roads.

"Kopeyka" was created on the prototype of the Fiat 124 sedan. Only her designers increased the ground clearance to 175 mm and strengthened the suspension and brakes. "Troika" was considered at that time a "luxury" model. It was distinguished from the "Penny" design. "Troika" had 4 headlights, an improved view of the dashboard, as well as chrome elements.

"Classic" models

In the following years, it was developeda few more "classic" VAZ models. History highlights them as the most bought cars. These include VAZ-2104, 2105, 2106, 2107. But it was the Six that became the most popular. Over 30 years of its mass production (since 1976), more than 4.3 million cars of this brand have been sold.

The 4 and 5 are known as economy models. "Seven" has become an improved version of the VAZ-2105. The designers developed a fashionable at that time rectangular shape of the headlights. The interior of each subsequent model was remade and modernized.

Improvements were also made in the engine area. All "classic" models sold well. And now you can meet representatives of this generation of cars on our roads.

Subsequent modernization

Subsequent AvtoVAZ models were developed in the 80s of the last century. The first representative of this generation of passenger cars was Sputnik. The people immediately began to call him the "Eight". In the index, this car had the corresponding figure. VAZ-2108 was endowed with a wedge-shaped front end. For this, he was also dubbed "The Chisel".

This model had an improved gearbox and an updated engine. The company created all the internal components of the G8 together with Porsche. The chief director of AvtoVAZ, Isakov V. I., entrusted the development of the design to domestic artists. After some time, the five-door "Eight" with a body type sedan and hatchback went on sale.

Late 80swas marked by the release of a small car called "Oka". Daihatsu Cuore became the prototype of this car.

The collapse of the USSR

The crisis has affected almost all enterprises. VAZ was no exception. The history of this enterprise knew a long crisis. The reason for this was a lot of internal and external reasons.

First of all, AvtoVAZ faced such a concept as competition. In those years, the market was flooded with imported used cars. Domestic passenger cars on their background did not withstand any criticism. Demand for the products of the once prosperous enterprise has declined significantly.

In the 90s, AvtoVAZ cars began to be produced in much smaller volumes. At this time, job cuts reached 25%. Despite government subsidies and increased customs duties on foreign cars, demand fell catastrophically.

Work in times of crisis

JSC "AvtoVAZ" in the crisis period worked on the creation of new models. In the early 90s, the world saw one of the few models of this period, the VAZ-2110. "Ten" was an improved version of the "Eight". This sedan model had a more advanced interior design and original body shape.

In the next ten years, production did not know significant changes. Only in 2003 did the Chevrolet Niva (VAZ-2121) enter mass production. This is the only domestic model sold in Japan.

There is an interesting statement by the chief designer of the Niva Prusov P. M. about naming this model. He said it was an abbreviationfrom the first letters of the names of his daughters (Nina, Irina) and the sons of the chief designer of GM-AvtoVAZ (Vadim, Andrey).

Investment in production

JSC "AvtoVAZ" enjoyed the support of the state budget, but it was not enough to awaken the company from a long crisis. The situation was exacerbated by an internal struggle for ownership of the company. Cases of theft of property on a very large scale were recorded. These amounts were equal to the company's annual sales proceeds. Therefore, all these events did not contribute to the exit from the unprofitable state.

In 2009, the decline in sales revenue reached a record level of 39% compared to the previous period. The company did not know such a collapse in its entire history. In order for the enterprise not to stop its work, cardinal measures were required. For this, huge investments were poured into the assets.

In July 2009, the authorized capital of the company increased by 240 million euros. At the same time, Renault-Nissan owned 25% of the shares, and Rostekhnologiya - 44%. Steve Mattin was appointed to the position of chief designer. He previously held a similar position in the concerns of Mercedes, Volvo. Since that time, a period of revival began.

AvtoVAZ Museum

Undoubtedly, the history of AvtoVAZ is rich in events. His products have become a real symbol of that era. It is not surprising that there is an AvtoVAZ museum. It is located in Tolyatti. This institution is dedicated to the well-known not only in our country, but also abroad, the Lada brand. After all, it was he who became known to the whole world as a machine,made in our country.

There are many significant exhibits for the auto giant. Here you can find both the first models released after the collapse of the USSR, and the oldest copies. Some of the cars presented at the exposition are no longer found on the roads. Not only have they not been produced for many years, but they have been completely withdrawn from service.

The AvtoVAZ Museum is ready to show its visitors the first cherry-colored Kopeyka, which was sold through the sales network. Its owner has operated his car for over 19 years. In 2000, he donated it to the museum. For this, AvtoVAZ presented the patron with a new car that had just rolled off the assembly line of the plant. This is the largest production of passenger cars deserves fame and recognition.

Enterprise Today

After getting out of a protracted, deepest crisis, VAZ, whose history is dotted with a variety of events, is again increasing production. Back in 2004, the universal hatchbacks and Kalina sedans saw the light. From that moment on, relentless development of new design and composite components of the Lada has been carried out.

In 2007, a new model called "Priora" was released. Demand was still falling at this time. To stimulate it, a cheaper version of Kalina was developed. They named her Grant. This time is marked for AvtoVAZ by the way out of the crisis. Increasing production capacity.

In 2012, on the basis of the Renault Logan car, the Lada of the Largus model was developed. For the prosperity of the legendary enterpriserequires a competent approach, new, extraordinary ideas and sufficient investment. With the right approach, this company will again be able to bring huge profits to the state. For this, modern AvtoVAZ has every opportunity. This production can become not only profitable, but also return its title of the legendary enterprise of domestic and world engineering.