In Nizhny Novgorod, they are preparing for the “great return” of the legendary Volga brand. But as often happens in the modern Russian auto industry, everything new turned out to be a well-forgotten… Chinese one.
The published photos and videos show a pre-production crossover specimen under the Volga brand, which is actually nothing other than the current generation Geely Atlas (FX11).
Forgot to Replace the Logos
Externally, the “new Volga” differs from the donor Geely Atlas perhaps only in the radiator grille – it was made in the manner of the “toothy” classics of past generations of GAZ. A kind of reference to Soviet times, so that nostalgia doesn’t get lost in the details.
However, attentive observers noticed a funny detail: the Geely logos are still left on the body, while the wheels already proudly display the word Volga. Apparently, the manufacturers decided not to waste time on trifles – “it’ll do”.
Project without GAZ, but with great “help”
It is worth noting that the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) has no relation to this project whatsoever. The revival of the brand is being handled by a newly created structure called “Production of Passenger Cars” (PPA).
The irony of the situation is that under the loud slogans of “import substitution,” the Russians are once again repeating old Soviet methods – copying foreign cars and calling it their own production. Back then, it was “Moskvich” and “Volga” cars, copied from foreign models; now – the same “Volgas,” only with a Chinese heart and technology.
As they say, history repeats itself. And if before, GAZ proudly wrote “Made in USSR,” now, it seems, it would be more accurate to write – “Made in Zhejiang”.