Russia bids farewell to iconic Avtovaz Classic cars
May 4, 2012
Last month, Russian automaker Avtovaz, the largest car company in Russia, stopped production on the Lada Classic 2107. The car company also announced the 2104 station wagon would also be discontinued by the end of the year, marking the end of the line for the iconic Russian car, Reuters reports.
"It's a case of national affection," Vyacheslav Lysakov, a member of Russian parliament and the head of Free Choice motorists' association, told the news source. "For many years in Soviet times the Classic was an unattainable dream for many men. It was very hard to get hold of one and people waited in queues for years. A lot of things from that (Soviet) time have already gone and the Classic was one of the remaining links."
International automotive company Renault-Nissan recently signed off on an agreement that gives the business control of Avtovaz, according to a separate report by Reuters. The alliance could lead to a new future for Avtovaz, as Renault-Nissan will bring new technology to the table for the Russian automaker.
Those who want to learn more about the changes Avtovaz is undergoing can make calls to Russia with international phone cards and talk to their friends about the future of the car company.