by And that, if there will be any. After all, everything is moving towards the fact that Russians will have to remember double clutch pedal operation and, most likely, forget about power steering. In general, if the aggressor country’s automotive industry survives, the cars produced in Russia will be comparable in terms of equipment level to mid-20th-century models. But let’s go in order.
TopGir has thoroughly studied the emerging problems of the Russian automotive industry and compiled the key issues that AvtoVAZ and other local car factories are already facing or will face in the next two weeks.
Information for Ukrainian media: lately there have been more cases of brazen theft of our articles, on which we spend a lot of effort, time, and money too! Respect the work of your colleagues and even in rewrites, consider the original source – especially in today’s times, when some articles have to be written in a basement, literally!
So, let’s move on to the specific points about the problems of the Russian automotive industry:
Bearings
Despite Russia’s “immensity,” there are no domestic manufacturers of car bearings! They were supplied by the Swedish engineering company SKF, but now they will not do so. Import substitution? Yes, possibly, but it will take time and money. Although there is a chance that China will “bail out” Russia in this regard…
Paint Coatings
The overwhelming majority of cars in Russia were painted with foreign-made paint. What now? Even if China helps again, at first, they will have to settle for a very modest color palette, which is even poorer than the cars of the Soviet era. No metallics or pearls, only:
- White
- Gray
- Black
Of course, sooner or later, there will be those for whom war means opportunity. But again, it’s time and resources.
Synchronizers for Manual Transmissions
The monopoly on synchronizers for manual gearboxes produced in Russian cars was held by the German giant Hoerbiger. However, due to the war in Ukraine and related sanctions, they have ceased cooperation with Russia. So, there are two options – either establish the production of synchronizers domestically (again, time and money), or roll out cars with gear shifting the old-fashioned way – with a “double clutch.”
Hydraulic Lifters
The situation is the same – they were supplied by foreign companies (mainly German). And already now, AvtoVAZ engineers and others face the challenging task of simplifying the timing mechanism design. Unless, of course, German components are replaced by Chinese ones…
Airbags
Airbags were never produced in Russia. As with other spare parts, they were purchased abroad. What now? Just as before – make cars without them. Moreover, everyone might be better off this way…
ABS, ESP, etc.
The anti-lock braking system, electronic stabilization program, and other attributes of modern cars are “space technology” for Russian industry. None of these or other sensors have ever been produced in Russia. Various “auto-pilot” projects and other “showcase” projects were nothing but the quintessence of foreign technologies and spare parts.
Injection Systems
To achieve a low level of emissions and meet high standards, Russia will need to spend billions, not to mention time. After all, even renowned auto giants go to great lengths to reduce them. What will happen? Euro 5 and Euro 6 certainly not, but Euro 2 or maybe Euro 3 theoretically seem possible.
To sum up: well, it probably suits them just fine…
