Ukraine war: Russia launches new 'sanction-proof' car
The Lada Granta Classic Sedan will cost the equivalent of 拢9,500, which parent company Avtovaz says is the cheapest on the market amid spiralling inflation of the rouble.
Sunday 12 June 2022 08:20, UK
A Russian car manufacturer has created a new "sanction-proof" car to bypass international boycotts over the war in Ukraine.
Lada is launching its new Granta Classic Sedan with all Russian-made components - but no anti-lock braking system, modern seatbelts or satellite navigation.
Following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February, Russia's heavily import-reliant car industry has taken a major blow.
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Costs have soared and manufacturers have been unable to access luxury technology from abroad.
Lada, which is owned by parent company Avtovaz, claims the car is the cheapest on the Russian market at 675,900 roubles (£9,500).
It claims this will help ease the pain of Russian inflation, which has spiralled since the end of February.
Avtovaz was forced to close its main manufacturing plant in Togliatti in March and had to accept just one rouble (1p) for French-state-owned Renault's 67.7% stake after it relinquished ties over the invasion.
It was bought by a research team linked to the Russian government.
Avtovaz's newly-appointed boss Maksim Sokolov said: "Today, after a long stop, Avtovaz resumed car production.
"We have to further produce the most popular and affordable cars of the Russian market, which do not depend on the imported components' shortage."
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