AvtoVAZs

AvtoVAZ is a Russian automobile manufacturer headquartered in Tolyatti, Samara Oblast. It is best known for its Lada brand of vehicles. The company was founded in 1966 as part of a technical assistance program with Italian automaker Fiat. The first Lada model, the VAZ-2101, was a modified Fiat 124 and became immensely popular in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries.

Throughout the Soviet era, AvtoVAZ was the largest car manufacturer in Eastern Europe, producing millions of vehicles. Its models, often based on older Fiat designs, were known for their ruggedness and simplicity, making them suitable for the often poor road conditions in the Soviet Union. Common models included the Zhiguli series, which encompassed the 2101 through 2107 sedans, as well as off-road vehicles like the Niva.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, AvtoVAZ faced significant challenges, including increased competition from foreign automakers. In the 2000s, Renault-Nissan Alliance acquired a controlling stake in the company. This partnership brought new investments, technologies, and modern vehicle platforms to AvtoVAZ, leading to the development of newer Lada models such as the Granta, Vesta, and XRAY.

Despite ownership changes and modernization efforts, AvtoVAZ remains a significant player in the Russian automotive market. The Lada brand continues to be associated with affordable and practical transportation for many Russian consumers. The company's production facilities in Tolyatti are among the largest in Russia.