Sanctions take Russian cars back to the 20th century without airbags and other features
Sanctions imposed on Russia after the country’s invasion of Ukraine have hit the automotive industry hard. The country’s difficulties in importing parts affect both consumers and owners.
Lada, which was recently acquired by the Russian state-owned company Renault, was forced to release a new version of the Lada Granta “Classic”. Built exclusively for the use of parts manufactured by a local or its allies, the naked car costs only 761,000 rubles ($ 13,008 at current exchange rates). Autoblog.
Unfortunately, for buyers, its “classic” status means its appearance rather than its convenience. It is sold without a number of safety features, such as ABS, passenger airbags or even air conditioning, which is 90 hp. (67 kW / 91 PS) is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which does not meet current European emission standards. . In fact, it only complies with the 1996 emission regulations, which is noteworthy for a car introduced in 2011.
Also read: Lada and Renault are selling Russian assets as the war in Ukraine continues
This was announced by David Ward, Executive President of the Global New Car Valuation Program NBC It was an “ironic” and “retrograde step” for the country, which serves as vice president of the United Nations World Forum for the Coordination of Vehicle Regulation.
Political analysts have compared the move to the USSR’s Cold War tactics. Jeffrey Edmonds, a Russia expert who served under the Obama administration, said it “shows that the Russian government is really willing to sacrifice quality goods and security for this occupation.”
According to unconfirmed reports, Lada plans to offer similar abbreviated versions of other cars, such as the 45-year-old Niva.
It also affects owners with a shortage of parts
And the situation is not better for people who have cars. Repairs are becoming more expensive as parts become more difficult to find. This was announced by the owner of four Skoda taxis in Moscow, Eldar Hajiyev The Guardian If your car breaks down, dealers are useless and independent mechanics have months of waiting times.
Websites have tried to fill in the gaps, but Hajiyev said it was a completely speculative market. According to him, it is difficult to find spare parts, and the cost of any find can be more expensive than a car.
“It’s a return to banditry,” Hajiyev said, suspecting that most of the parts he found had been stolen. Even basic necessities, such as oil, will be 10 times more expensive than they were in 2021, a testament to the plight of ordinary Russians as a result of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
