Lada

In 1970, Soviet car manufacturer AutoVAZ introduced the Zhiguli, a re-engineered version of the Fiat 124 produced under licence from Fiat. The car was heavily modified in order to survive the treacherous Russian driving conditions. Among many changes, aluminium brake drums were added to the rear and the original Fiat engine was dropped in favour of a newer design. The suspension was raised to clear rough Russian roads and the bodyshell was made from thicker, heavier steel with reinforcements in key chassis areas. The first models were equipped with a starting handle in case the battery went flat in Siberian conditions. Exports to Western Europe began in 1971. Since the name Zhiguli was hard to pronounce for foreigners, on most export markets the cars were sold under the Lada brand. It was a sturdy, cheap and reliable car. In a short time it became a real hit in Soviet Union; the Togliatti plant could not supply the consumer demand and people had to wait for years to get a chance to buy the car. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a shortage of used cars meant that many export Zhigulis badged as Ladas were re-imported back from the West and hence the Lada brand became well known in Russia and the former Soviet states. 

See also: Fiat 124