The 1999 Moscow Motor Show

The International Auto Show in Moscow took place from August 23 - 29. Locally called Autosalon '99 the show attracts an increasing number of people every year, and you will soon see why. But what is really happening behind the former iron-curtain? Not many believe it, but there is actually a lot of activity in the former national car industry. After some difficult years, and a few 'impossible' co-operations with western companies, the trend now is to develop and design their own future products. The car on the left (tagged the Rapan), for example, is a design study from Lada (Vaz). This oddity is equipped with an electric engine. The design is certainly something different!

But Lada has much more up it's sleeves. One practicaly finished, all new Niva 4x4 for example. This car has been tested in a russian car magazine already, but it now seems as if they have finally finished it. It certainly looks ready for production. Along with the five-door, Lada also showed a pick-up and a small van, based on the same all-wheel drive platform. The Vaz factory, (which produces all Lada vehicles) has received new younger management, and it seems as if they have finally solved both the mafia (!) and financial problems. The design on this new Niva is not out of place among the rest of the world's off-road vehicles.

Lada also showed a new small car (the 1119) in Moscow. The size of this car is similar to that of the VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, and the new Skoda Fabia that will be introduced to the world at the IAA in Frankfurt. Furthermore Lada is continuing to develop their "new" 2110 series, that is supposed to take over from the present outdated models. A minivan was also presented, called the 2120. It seems to be a six or seven-seater, with a dual sliding door. It looks impressive, but how roomy is it?

But there is more going on in Russia. Volga (Gaz) is an old brand name that somebody still might remember. And Volga is still alive, actually presenting several new models in Moscow. The most interesting is the beautifully designed 3111 (they stick to numbers, rather than names in Russia!). Another fun-thing from Volga/Gaz is a line of pick-ups and off-roaders. The lower part of the front has a certain likeness to the the popular Dodge Ram.....

There is yet another car manufacturer in the former Soviet Union - UAZ. This year they presented a new four-wheel drive minibus, and an update of their SUV.

I bet you thought this one was dead and gone? No way. The Zil is still the car for the President and his ever so often changing ministers.

It seems as there still are a few problems to be solved in the russian auto industry. Among others, the financial situation has been difficult after the wall fell. But as they keep developing new, interesting cars, it can only be a matter of time before we will be able to buy these enthusiastically designed cars. Hopefully with modern engines and handling! We will have a closer look at some of the models in future issues of The Car Enthusiast.

Ken Nyhagen