Volga Automobile Works Begins Construction in the Soviet Union
Volga Automobile Works, also known as AutoVAZ, began construction of its automobile plant in Togliatti, Soviet Union, on January 9, 1967. This initiative stemmed from an agreement between the Soviet Union and Italy's FIAT, which involved FIAT overseeing the plant's development, training local personnel, and providing technical support and car models. The first automobiles, branded as Zhiguli and later known as Lada, rolled off the production line in April 1970. The establishment of the automotive industry significantly impacted Togliatti, making it an economic hub where nearly all residents and businesses engaged in various aspects of the automobile sector. Over time, Togliatti earned the nickname Autograd, meaning "Auto City," reflecting its deep connection to the automotive industry. In the post-Soviet era, Volga Automobile Works has become the leading car manufacturer in Russia, producing about 70 percent of the country's vehicles and providing employment for approximately 110,000 individuals. The legacy of AutoVAZ continues to shape the economic landscape of the region and the broader Russian automotive market.
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Volga Automobile Works Begins Construction in the Soviet Union
Volga Automobile Works Begins Construction in the Soviet Union
On January 9, 1967, the Volga Automobile Works began constructing its automobile plant in the town of Togliatti located in the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had made an agreement with Italy's FIAT company, in which FIAT agreed to oversee the building of the Volga plant (also known as AutoVAZ), as well as train personnel and provide technical assistance. FIAT even went so far as to provide car models to the newborn company.
The first Volga cars—Zhiguli automobiles, later called Lada autos—were completed in April 1970, and the automotive industry soon became the life-blood of Togliatti. Almost every business and nearly every resident was involved in some aspect of the industry. From production, to sales, to the repair of cars and their parts, Togliatti's economy depended on the success of Volga and its automobiles. Eventually, Togliatti was nicknamed Autograd (Auto City).
In the post-Soviet era, the Volga Automobile Works remains Russia's top car manufacturer, producing roughly 70 percent of all of Russia's cars and employing 110,000 people.