When it comes to the domestic auto industry, the first thing that comes to mind is the model of the Volga Automobile Plant. The most recognizable car of our time from AvtoVAZ is Lada Kalina. It is produced both for export and for the domestic market. The difference between these modifications is significant, therefore, it makes no sense to compare them. In technical terms, the car has very good performance, if only because it is designed for domestic roads, and this already says a lot.
The development of the Russian automobile industry, which in Soviet times became famous thanks to the following cars: Moskvich and Zhiguli, began in the 19th century. Before the Union of Republics arose, industry several times rose to its feet and immediately fell, and only by 1960 it began to live its full life - mass motorization was launched. With the crisis that followed immediately after the collapse of the USSR, with difficulty, but the Russian auto industry climbed out. And now one of the largest manufacturers who showed the world the Lada Kalina car is the brainchild of AvtoVAZ. Although in Russia it is increasingly possible to meet a foreign car, every second car is a copy of domestic production. This shows the patriotism and love of the population for the homeland, as well as how much cheaper VAZ cars are compared to foreign ones. A more detailed story can be read below.
Russian automobile industry until 1917
The first Russian cars began to appear from 1896. Since that time, the domestic auto industry began to develop. The first model had an internal combustion engine and appeared in the specified year. In public, she was "represented" by Yevgeny Yakovlev and Petr Frese.
After such an event, the first private companies appear in Russia that represent the Russian auto industry of that time. However, all of them very soon change their activities. By 1912, only two operating companies remained afloat. We are talking about the Russian-Baltic Wagon Plant and the Puzyrev Plant. The first was located in Riga, the second - in St. Petersburg. RBVZ happened to release its first copy of the transport in 1909, while the RAZIPP began to function in 1911. Four years later, the second plant burned down, and after a short period of time its founder died. Due to military operations approaching Riga, the RBVZ was divided into several branches: one was in St. Petersburg (assembly of aircraft was established here), the second in Tver.
The Russian auto industry began to develop at an accelerated pace due to the outbreak of the First World War. And all thanks to the fact that the need for additional equipment has greatly increased. The government issued a decree establishing six plants. About 11 million rubles were allocated for their construction. According to the calculations of the authorities, the total production was to be 10 thousand cars per year. However, these plans ended very tragically. After the revolution of 1917 and subsequent inflation, the collapse of the transport system in Russia, the construction of plants was not completed. In the end, the state had only one conveyor, from which the light and heavy equipment went. In 1917, almost 500 cars were assembled at the Moscow plant. After fixing the situation, the authorities decided to resume the construction of those assembly points. But only two of them retained their specialization over time.
Russia as part of the USSR
Russian cars noticeably changed during their stay in the Soviet Union. The time of the release of the F-15 truck by the Moscow factory is considered to be the starting point for the development of the automotive industry. A little later AMO was renamed. After the reconstruction, the plant began to produce trucks under license. In Nizhny Novgorod, which was better known as Gorky, NAZ was then built. This factory, using permission from the American company Ford, began to produce trucks and cars. The created companies were able to become the national dignity of the Soviet Union, and the released Zhiguli car became a symbol of the same state. Together with smaller car brands, the Russian auto industry took first place in Europe, in the world it took second place in the truck production category. Before the start of the conflict on the territory of the USSR, more than 1 million copies were produced as part of World War II.
Until the 70s, the development of the automotive industry was at an intensive pace. At the same time, for the most part, Russian cars represented a huge number of trucks - it was their production that was preferred.
The population began to acquire personal cars by the time Italy decided to build a VAZ on the territory of the Union. The plant worked at a fairly fast pace. Initially, 660 thousand copies were produced per year, then, closer to the 80s, this figure increased to 730 thousand. And, of course, the Zhiguli car made up the lion's share in this indicator. Along with it was produced and "Niva". The same factory was the first to release a hatchback from the assembly line in the USSR.
In 1969, the construction of KamAZ was started, it was completed by 1976. It was he who allowed the transfer of many Soviet cars to diesel power mechanisms. According to the plan, the plant produced 150 thousand trucks and 250 thousand units per year.
Thanks to good support from the government and the common efforts of all plants, by 1980 the USSR occupied the world:
- First place for the production of bus equipment.
- Third place for the production of trucks.
- Fifth place in total production. Here, Russian cars were inferior to Japanese, American, German and French colleagues.
And even with the crisis, the Russian auto industry continued to please the domestic buyer perfect with new brands of cars. At this time, production stopped increasing in size, there was a shortage of spare parts. The leadership of the USSR gradually died away. But it was during this period that the world saw such “eternal” models as Moskvich, Sputnik, Oka, Tavria cars and some trucks.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the fate of the Russian automobile industry, Ukrainian and Belarusian, went their separate ways.
Modern auto industry of Russia
The crisis that struck after the reforms of 1992, almost stopped the work of the entire Russian automobile industry. The pace of production and the number of cars assembled were reduced. Even those who produced low-cost copies, suspended their activities. It was connected with terrible economic and financial problems. We can say that only really strong Russian automakers withstood such a blow to the state survived - time-tested. We are talking about a VAZ, GAZ and Likhachev plant. They released truly legendary cars - “Lada”, “Volga”, “Goby”. Thanks to these series, the crisis was successfully overcome. Although the devaluation of the ruble in 1998 markedly hit producers.
By 2002, assembly of foreign models was in full swing in the state. By this time, the state has opened more than a dozen foreign branches. Among cars, their share was 40%. In 2010, a plan for the production of 1 million foreign copies per year was implemented.
Now the Russian Federation is on the list of 15 best manufacturers in the world. In the state, more than 50 automobile factories have been opened.
The best domestic car
If we consider the truly best car produced in the USSR, then we need to focus on the one that received the M-20 service index. True, we are talking about "Victory." It was produced at the Gorky plant from 1946 to 1958. Before the stop of production, about 240 thousand copies were produced.
The car had amazing shapes that attracted buyers. It should be noted high cross, good stability. The maximum speed slightly exceeded 100 km / h. It was such a car that was needed by Soviet people who survived the war. The main disadvantage of the machine, many called its engine. Indeed, the M-20 model was very reliable, but unstable in terms of the power unit. Although it was distinguished by durability, but, frankly, it was rather weak for this kind of car.
The most expensive Russian car in Soviet times
It should be noted ZIS-110, which belongs to the class of executive cars. Its production was started in the year of the end of the Second World War. And in 1958, it was replaced by another car of the same series. When the plant received the name Likhachev, its name changed a little - ZIL-110. Over the entire production period, a little more than 2 thousand copies of all assemblies were produced.
The Soviet buyer has always noted the elegance of this car, as well as the beauty of the body. The installed engine had 8 cylinders and worked at 4 cycles. Its power is 180 horsepower.
This car can be put in line with the “Victory”. The only difference between them is that the M-20 is more suitable for the middle class because of pricing policy, and the described one is more suitable.
The safest Russian car
The new UAZ Patriot (or UAZ-3163) with confidence occupies a leading place among the most reliable cars in Russia. The SUV has all the necessary options, functions and characteristics that are necessary for driving on Russian roads. The car has five doors, as well as an increased level of spaciousness both in the luggage compartment and in the passenger. "Patriot" is great for driving in the countryside, which already adds him additional advantages when compared with other domestic-made SUVs. The series has been produced since 2005 by the Ulyanovsk plant. In addition to excellent technical characteristics, it has a very impressive appearance, and attracts serious people, because it is made in minimalism.
Reliable Russian car
Any resident of Russia will mark in this category a VAZ car. Of course, we are talking about the car "Lada", which is better known under the name "penny." It is not surprising, because after such a long time from the beginning of its release, she still drives along Russian roads. Every third car in Russia is a Zhiguli. It’s worth considering.
Most beautiful car
"The Seagull" is one hundred percent victorious in this nomination among all domestic cars. It was produced at the Gorky plant. And it went down in history as that car on which officials constantly drove. They were attracted by a beautiful and aesthetic appearance.
The best Russian car
"Lada Priora", according to many motorists, is the best. Especially it appeals to modern customers who are not chasing too new and sophisticated specimens. This model has a power steering, excellent suspension and air conditioning.
Economical car
As an economical car can be noted “Oku”. VAZ products have always been distinguished by inexpensive cost, but this model was the cheapest. Moreover, it has impressive characteristics, as for a state employee.
KAMAZ: dump truck
It is not surprising that KamAZ is one of the best manufacturers in Russia, if we talk about trucks. They are used in almost all industries: agricultural, municipal, construction. In 2010, the series was re-equipped with a new cabin, which was characterized by increased convenience. The KAMAZ series (dump truck) is impressive. Each of the models has its own distinctive features. The approximate price of one of these overall machines is 170 thousand rubles. Cars drive well on standard roads, but cope poorly with off-road driving.
Fireman ZIL
Fire trucks are undoubtedly constantly needed. They must have amazing technical specifications. This is one of the types of machines in which external data is completely unimportant. For a long time, cars for fire stations were produced for the USSR by the Likhachev plant. Over time, they have been improved in all aspects. Fire ZIL became the best instance for the USSR.