GAZ

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For other uses, see Gaz (disambiguation).

GAZ 21 Volga (1956)

GAZ 3106

1971 USSR postage stamp depicting Volga GAZ-24 automobile

GAZ or Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (Russia, Nizhny Novgorod), translated as Gorky Automobile Plant (Russian: ГАЗ or Го́рьковский автомоби́льный заво́д), started in 1929 as NNAZ, a cooperation between Ford and the Soviet Union. The name changed when the city was renamed after Maxim Gorky. From 1935 to 1956, the official name was augmented with imeni Molotova (literally, named after Molotov).

The factory's first model was the medium-priced Ford Model A, sold as NAZ A at first, and Ford Model AA under GAZ AA marque. "A" production commenced in 1932 and lasted until 1936, during which time over 100,000 examples were built.

The A was succeeded by the more modern GAZ M1 (based largely on the Ford V8), produced from 1936 to 1942. The M letter stands for Molotovets ('of Molotov's fame'), it was the origin of the car's nickname, Emka (Эмка).

Experience with the A and the M1 allowed the GAZ engineers to develop their own car model independently of Ford. Called the GAZ M2, this more upscale model entered production in 1942 and remained in limited wartime production until 1946. The M2's bodyshell entered limited production in 1941, mounted on a four-wheel drive chassis and sold in small quantities as the GAZ-61 (quite possibly the world's first all-wheel drive passenger car).

During the war years, GAZ engineers worked to develop an all-new car model to enter production once hostilities ended. Called the GAZ-M20 Pobeda (Victory), this affordably-priced sedan with streamlined, fastback styling, entered production in 1946 and was produced by GAZ until 1958. (Licensed production under the name Warszawa continued in Polish FSO until the 1970's). GAZ-72, a four wheel drive version, was produced in low volume.

During the war GAZ also assembled Chevrolet G7107 and G7117 (G7107 with winch) from parts shipped from the USA according to Lend Lease agreement.

GAZ also made GAZ-12 ZIM, GAZ-21 and GAZ-24 Volga and the luxury cars GAZ-13 and GAZ-14 Chaika. GAZ also makes trucks and 4x4s such as the GAZel and the famous GAZ-69.

1 2006 and beyond
2 Models
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] 2006 and beyond

As DaimlerChrysler modernized its Sterling Heights Assembly plant in 2006, the old Dodge Stratus assembly line and tooling was sold to GAZ and will be shipped to Nizhny Novgorod in Russia. GAZ will resume production of the Stratus, and may introduce additional variants in the future, as GAZ has purchased the rights to use the platform in new vehicles.ref>Sterling Heights assembly line to be shipped to Russia. Detroit News. Retrieved on April 14, 2006.</ref>, whilst the company originally announced that the Volga will be phased out completely. However, GAZ has recently reversed course. Volga production, initially scheduled to end in 2007, will continue indefinitely and the car will recieve a facelift. GAZ will adopt a new marketing tack, attempting to position the 1960's era design as a "retro" vehicle, while the Stratus-based products may also be sold under the Volga brand.

Also in 2006, GAZ made a move on the LDV company based in Birmingham in the West Midlands and acquired the van maker from the venture capital group Sun European Partners in July of that year.

GAZ have said that they plan to market the MAXUS (LDV's new Panel-van, that was releaseed in 2006) into the rest of Europe (it is currently only on sale in Britain and limited areas of Europe) and Asia. GAZ Propose to increase production in the LDV plant in England, while also commencing production of the MAXUS in a new plant in Russia.