Moskvitch: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Standardized hatnote
Added text from related Wikipedia articles, removed some dubious content.
Line 8: Line 8:
| image_caption = Abandoned Moskvitch headquarters
| image_caption = Abandoned Moskvitch headquarters
| industry = [[Automotive]]
| industry = [[Automotive]]
| type = [[Joint-stock]]
| type = [[Government-owned]] (1929-1991), [[privately held company|privately owned]] (1991-2010)
| fate = Bankrupt since 2002<br>Dissolved in 2006
| fate = Bankrupt since 2002<br>Dissolved in 2006
| successor = None. Partial recuperation of former production factories by [[Avtoframos]] (Russian subsidiary of [[Renault]]) since 2008
| successor = None. Partial recuperation of former production factories by [[Avtoframos]] (Russian subsidiary of [[Renault]]) since 2008
| predecessor = [[AZLK]]
| predecessor = [[AZLK]]
| foundation = 1930
| foundation = 1929
| location = [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]
| location = [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]
| products = cars
| products = cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, sports vehicles, vans,
| revenue =
| revenue =
| key_people =
| key_people =
Line 22: Line 22:
| homepage = [http://www.azlk.ru/ Official OAO "Moskvich" Website]
| homepage = [http://www.azlk.ru/ Official OAO "Moskvich" Website]
}}
}}
'''Moskvitch''' ({{lang-ru|Москвич}}) (sometimes also written as ''Moskvich'', ''Moskvič'' or ''Moskwitsch'') was an [[automobile]] [[brand]] from [[Russia]] produced by [[AZLK]] from 1946 to 1991 and by '''OAO Moskvitch''' from 1991 to 2002. The current article incorporates information about both the brand and the [[joint-stock]] successor of AZLK for the sake of simplicity.
'''Moskvitch''' ({{lang-ru|Москвич}}) (also written as ''Moskvich'', ''Moskvič'' or ''Moskwitsch'') was an [[automobile]] [[brand]] from [[Russia]] produced by [[AZLK]] from 1946 to 1991 and by '''OAO Moskvitch''' from 1991 to 2002. The current article incorporates information about both the brand and the [[joint-stock]] successor of AZLK for the sake of simplicity.


''OAO Moskvitch'' was a privatized venture name given to the former factory in order to avoid legal issues after the fall of the [[Soviet Union]] in 1991. Since the factory had no assembly branches outside Russia after 1991, its name is largely used today to refer to the building located in Lower Eastern part of Moscow and abandoned since 2006.
''OAO Moskvitch'' was a privatized venture name given to the former factory in order to avoid legal issues after the fall of the [[Soviet Union]] in 1991. Since the factory had no assembly branches outside Russia after 1991, its name is largely used today to refer to the building located in Lower Eastern part of Moscow and abandoned since 2006.


The word ''moskvitch'' ({{lang-ru|москвич}}) itself translates as "(a) Muscovite" into English. It was used to point out the original location of the cars manufactured outside of Russia's capital, Moscow.
The word ''moskvitch'' ({{lang-ru|москвич}}) itself translates as "a native of Moscow, a Moscower". It was used to point out the original location of the cars manufactured outside of Russia's capital, Moscow.


==Early history==
==History==
In 1929 the construction of Moscow Automotive Plant began with initial production of 24,000 vehicles. In 1941 the plant was evacuated to [[Ural (region)|Ural]] and the entire production converted for the manufacture of the military equipment at the dawn of [[World War II]]. After the war, the USSR acquired an entire [[Opel]] manufacturing line from [[Brandenburg an der Havel|Brandenburg]] in [[Germany]].<ref>[http://www.dhm.de/ausstellungen/aufbau_west_ost/katlg14.htm German Historical Museum]</ref> A factory called [[AZLK|MZMA]] (''Moskovsky Zavod Malolitrazhnykh Avtomobiley'', that is, ''Moscow Compact Car Factory'') started in 1947 to manufacture an [[automobile]] called ''Moskvitch 400'' based on the [[Opel Kadett]]. Further models were developed by Soviet engineers. In 1969, the factory changed name to [[AZLK]] (''Avtomobilny Zavod imeni Leninskogo Komsomola'', which means ''Car Factory in the name of the Leninist Communist Youth Union'').
In 1929 the construction of Moscow Automotive Plant began with initial production of 24,000 vehicles. Between 1940 and 1941, it built 500 units of the compact car [[KIM 10-50]]. In 1941 the plant was evacuated to [[Ural (region)|Ural]] and the entire production converted for the manufacture of the military equipment at the dawn of [[World War II]]. After the war, the USSR acquired an entire [[Opel]] manufacturing line from [[Brandenburg an der Havel|Brandenburg]] in [[Germany]].<ref>[http://www.dhm.de/ausstellungen/aufbau_west_ost/katlg14.htm German Historical Museum]</ref> A factory called [[AZLK|MZMA]] (''Moskovsky Zavod Malolitrazhnykh Avtomobiley'', that is, ''Moscow Compact Car Factory'') started in 1947 to manufacture the [[Opel Kadett]] under the name ''Moskvitch 400''. Further models were developed by Soviet engineers. In 1969, the factory changed name to [[AZLK]] (''Avtomobilny Zavod imeni Leninskogo Komsomola'', which means ''Car Factory in the name of the Leninist Communist Youth Union'').


Moskvitch cars were never meant to be a fashion statement{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}. They were sturdy, reliable on substandard roads and were offered at an affordable price. The 1960s and early 1970s were the glory days, when the cars were exported to many countries throughout the world. Demand always exceeded production, so people had to wait a long time for a new car. Until the 1980s all Moskvitch cars were compact [[rear-wheel drive]] saloons and estates with solid rear axles suspended by leaf springs.
Moskvitch cars were sturdy, reliable on substandard roads and were offered at an affordable price. The 1960s and early 1970s were the glory days, when the cars were exported to many countries throughout the world. Demand always exceeded production, so people had to wait a long time for a new car. Until the 1980s all Moskvitch cars were compact [[rear-wheel drive]] saloons and estates with solid rear axles suspended by leaf springs.


The Moskvitch was also produced in Bulgaria (see [[Moskvitch (Bulgaria)]]) between 1966 and 1990 on the basis of [[complete knock down]] (CKD) kits. Models 408, 408I, 412, 21412 "Aleko" total of 304,297 cars
The Moskvitch was also produced in Bulgaria (see [[Moskvitch (Bulgaria)]]) between 1966 and 1990 on the basis of [[complete knock down]] (CKD) kits. Models 408, 408I, 412, 21412 "Aleko" total of 304,297 cars


1986 saw the unveiling of a completely new model, known as the [[Aleko|Aleko-2141]], which was often upgraded and restyled during the period of its production. It was powered by the 1.5L UZAM used in 412 model and VAZ-2106 1.6L in-line four-cylinder engines, which had by then amassed an acceptable track record powering a number of LADA models. Aleko was different from any model the factory had made previously: it was larger and more luxurious, made with comfort, safety and aerodynamics in mind. The new car had such innovative features as [[front-wheel drive]], a [[hatchback]] body style, [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension and [[torsion beam|torsion-crank]] rear [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]]. It had rack-and-pinion steering and a collapsible steering column. The 1.8 liter gasoline engine for the new car was planned, but never materialized, as was also the case with a diesel version. In the early 1990s AZLK still remained one of the largest auto companies in the [[USSR]]. Design and experimental work was prepared to create a new model car ([[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] M-2142) and an engine plant. However, after the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], due to an economic crisis, disruptions in the work of the company and [[financial mismanagement]] the engine plant was not finished and the Moskvitch company fell into decline. Because of its location, Moskvitch was in a more vulnerable position than companies located in other regions, as the cost of living and car production in Moscow began to grow rapidly.
==Introduction of the Aleko==
1986 saw the unveiling of a radically new (by Soviet standards) model, known as the [[Aleko|Aleko-2141]]. It was powered by the 1.5L UZAM used in 412 model and VAZ-2106 1.6L in-line four-cylinder engines, which had by then amassed an acceptable track record powering a number of LADA models. Aleko was a [[front-wheel drive]] [[hatchback]] different from any model the factory had made previously. It was larger and more luxurious, made with comfort, safety and aerodynamics in mind. The body was built on the basis of [[Simca 1307]], while [[longitudinal engine]] placement and torsion-crank rear suspension and [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension was inspired by [[Audi 80]]/[[Audi 100|100]] family, while taking into account the larger size of the Moskvitch and [[Lada]] engines . The 1.8 liter gasoline engine for the new car was planned, but never materialized, as was also the case with a diesel version. The car was a major improvement over previous generations, but the fall of the centralised economy, below-par quality and inadequate management ultimately brought the factory to bankruptcy{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}.


The factory, which had been renamed to OAO Moskvitch (Moskvitch Joint Stock Company) in the early 1990s, filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and ceased production. The factory remains idle and abandoned, everything left as it was in 2002. Unfinished bodyshells remain on the production line in various stages of completion, while furniture, computers, office supplies, and documents remain in the plant's administration building. Several attempts to restart production have been made over the next 3 years, but none were successful.
The factory, which had been renamed to OAO Moskvitch (Moskvitch Joint Stock Company) in the early 1990s, filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and ceased production. Unfinished bodyshells remain on the production line in various stages of completion, while furniture, computers, office supplies, and documents remain in the plant's administration building. Several attempts to restart production have been made over the next 3 years, but none were successful.


Recently, a portion of the abandoned plant was acquired by OAO Avtoframos, a 38%-62% joint venture between the City of [[Moscow]] and [[France|French]] automaker [[Renault]] SA. In 2005, Avtoframos commenced assembly of [[Renault Logan]] sedans from imported complete knock-down kits (CKDs). The presence of Avtoframos brought new life to a small part of the facility, but the majority of the sprawling plant remains abandoned, apparently still owned by the dormant Moskvitch company.
Recently, a portion of the abandoned plant was acquired by OAO Avtoframos, a 38%-62% joint venture between the City of [[Moscow]] and [[France|French]] automaker [[Renault]] SA. In 2005, Avtoframos commenced assembly of [[Renault Logan]] sedans from imported complete knock-down kits (CKDs). The presence of Avtoframos brought new life to a small part of the facility, but the majority of the sprawling plant remains abandoned, apparently still owned by the dormant Moskvitch company.

Revision as of 14:35, 1 March 2016

For other uses, see Moskvitch (disambiguation).
OAO Moskvitch
Company typeGovernment-owned (1929-1991), privately owned (1991-2010)
IndustryAutomotive
PredecessorAZLK
Founded1929
FateBankrupt since 2002
Dissolved in 2006
SuccessorNone. Partial recuperation of former production factories by Avtoframos (Russian subsidiary of Renault) since 2008
HeadquartersMoscow, Russia
Productscars, SUVs, pickup trucks, sports vehicles, vans,
Revenue530,700,000,000 Russian ruble (1994) Edit this on Wikidata
WebsiteOfficial OAO "Moskvich" Website

Moskvitch (Russian: Москвич) (also written as Moskvich, Moskvič or Moskwitsch) was an automobile brand from Russia produced by AZLK from 1946 to 1991 and by OAO Moskvitch from 1991 to 2002. The current article incorporates information about both the brand and the joint-stock successor of AZLK for the sake of simplicity.

OAO Moskvitch was a privatized venture name given to the former factory in order to avoid legal issues after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since the factory had no assembly branches outside Russia after 1991, its name is largely used today to refer to the building located in Lower Eastern part of Moscow and abandoned since 2006.

The word moskvitch (Russian: москвич) itself translates as "a native of Moscow, a Moscower". It was used to point out the original location of the cars manufactured outside of Russia's capital, Moscow.

History

In 1929 the construction of Moscow Automotive Plant began with initial production of 24,000 vehicles. Between 1940 and 1941, it built 500 units of the compact car KIM 10-50. In 1941 the plant was evacuated to Ural and the entire production converted for the manufacture of the military equipment at the dawn of World War II. After the war, the USSR acquired an entire Opel manufacturing line from Brandenburg in Germany.[1] A factory called MZMA (Moskovsky Zavod Malolitrazhnykh Avtomobiley, that is, Moscow Compact Car Factory) started in 1947 to manufacture the Opel Kadett under the name Moskvitch 400. Further models were developed by Soviet engineers. In 1969, the factory changed name to AZLK (Avtomobilny Zavod imeni Leninskogo Komsomola, which means Car Factory in the name of the Leninist Communist Youth Union).

Moskvitch cars were sturdy, reliable on substandard roads and were offered at an affordable price. The 1960s and early 1970s were the glory days, when the cars were exported to many countries throughout the world. Demand always exceeded production, so people had to wait a long time for a new car. Until the 1980s all Moskvitch cars were compact rear-wheel drive saloons and estates with solid rear axles suspended by leaf springs.

The Moskvitch was also produced in Bulgaria (see Moskvitch (Bulgaria)) between 1966 and 1990 on the basis of complete knock down (CKD) kits. Models 408, 408I, 412, 21412 "Aleko" total of 304,297 cars

1986 saw the unveiling of a completely new model, known as the Aleko-2141, which was often upgraded and restyled during the period of its production. It was powered by the 1.5L UZAM used in 412 model and VAZ-2106 1.6L in-line four-cylinder engines, which had by then amassed an acceptable track record powering a number of LADA models. Aleko was different from any model the factory had made previously: it was larger and more luxurious, made with comfort, safety and aerodynamics in mind. The new car had such innovative features as front-wheel drive, a hatchback body style, MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion-crank rear suspension. It had rack-and-pinion steering and a collapsible steering column. The 1.8 liter gasoline engine for the new car was planned, but never materialized, as was also the case with a diesel version. In the early 1990s AZLK still remained one of the largest auto companies in the USSR. Design and experimental work was prepared to create a new model car (sedan M-2142) and an engine plant. However, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, due to an economic crisis, disruptions in the work of the company and financial mismanagement the engine plant was not finished and the Moskvitch company fell into decline. Because of its location, Moskvitch was in a more vulnerable position than companies located in other regions, as the cost of living and car production in Moscow began to grow rapidly.

The factory, which had been renamed to OAO Moskvitch (Moskvitch Joint Stock Company) in the early 1990s, filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and ceased production. Unfinished bodyshells remain on the production line in various stages of completion, while furniture, computers, office supplies, and documents remain in the plant's administration building. Several attempts to restart production have been made over the next 3 years, but none were successful.

Recently, a portion of the abandoned plant was acquired by OAO Avtoframos, a 38%-62% joint venture between the City of Moscow and French automaker Renault SA. In 2005, Avtoframos commenced assembly of Renault Logan sedans from imported complete knock-down kits (CKDs). The presence of Avtoframos brought new life to a small part of the facility, but the majority of the sprawling plant remains abandoned, apparently still owned by the dormant Moskvitch company.

The bankruptcy of OAO Moskvitch was officially announced in 2006 and the company was liquidated the following year.

Since 2009, the owner of the brand Moskvitch is the German automotive company Volkswagen. In 2011, the company extended its brand ownership rights until 2021, a 10-year period.

Generations

First (1945—1956)

Moskvitch-400, nearly a copy of the Kadett K38

Second (1956—1965)

  • Moskvitch-407 with late-version eggcrate grille
    Moskvitch-407 with late-version eggcrate grille
  • Moskvitch-423, the first Soviet non-woodie station wagon (with pre-1958 grille bar)
    Moskvitch-423, the first Soviet non-woodie station wagon (with pre-1958 grille bar)


Third (1965—1986)

  • Moskvitch-408
    Moskvitch-408
  • Moskvitch-412 from the late 1960s and early 1970s
    Moskvitch-412 from the late 1960s and early 1970s
  • Moskvitch-2138/40
    Moskvitch-2138/40

Fourth (1986-2003)

  • Moskvitch-21412 with 1.5 L engine.
    Moskvitch-21412 with 1.5 L engine.
  • Moskvitch-2142 with sedan body (prototype).
    Moskvitch-2142 with sedan body (prototype).
  • Moskvitch-2142 serial.
    Moskvitch-2142 serial.

Sport and racing cars

Prototypes

  • Moskvitch 444 (1956-1958, later built as the ZAZ-965)
  • Moskvitch 4x4 (1958)
  • Moskvitch 415 (1959)
    • Moskvitch 415S (1966, improved 415)
  • Moskvitch 416 (1960, hardtop version of 415)
  • Moskvitch 2148 (1973)
  • Moskvitch 2150 (1973)
  • 3-5 Series
    • Moskvitch 3-5-2 (1970, based on 408)
    • Moskvitch 3-5-3 (station wagon version of 3-5-2)
    • Moskvitch 3-5-4 (modernized 3-5-2)
    • Moskvitch 3-5-5 (1972, based on 3-5-2)
    • Moskvitch 3-5-6 (1975)
  • C Series
    • Moskvitch Delta
    • Moskvitch C1 (1975)
    • Moskvitch C2 (developed from C1)
    • Moskvitch C3 (1976)
    • Moskvitch C4
  • Moskvitch 2143 Yauza (1991)
  • Moskvitch 2144 Istra (1985)
  • Moskvitch X1

Gallery

  • Moskvitch 1500 (export model) (rear view)
    Moskvitch 1500 (export model) (rear view)
  • Moskvitch 2140
    Moskvitch 2140
  • Moskvitch 400
    Moskvitch 400
  • Moskvitch 400
    Moskvitch 400
  • Moskvitch 4-Door Sedan
    Moskvitch 4-Door Sedan
  • Moskvitch 403
    Moskvitch 403
  • 1972 Moskvitch 427 estate (this year of this export model sold as a Moskvitch 1500)
    1972 Moskvitch 427 estate (this year of this export model sold as a Moskvitch 1500)
  • Moskvitch 1500 (export model)
    Moskvitch 1500 (export model)
  • M-21412 alias M-2141S
    M-21412 alias M-2141S
  • M-21412 alias M-2141S
    M-21412 alias M-2141S

See also

References

  1. ^ German Historical Museum

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Moskvich vehicles.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moskvitch&oldid=707739526"