The legendary Zaporozhets may be getting a second life. In the Zaporizhzhia region, they announced their intention to resume production of the car, which was once one of the most recognizable symbols of the Soviet automobile industry.
According to the head of the Legislative Assembly of the Zaporizhzhia region, Viktor Yemelyanenko, the future model will receive a modern design and a new name, but will retain the main idea – to become an affordable car for a wide range of buyers.
The necessary production base for the implementation of the project, as stated, already exists. A modern production line operates on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia automobile plant, which allows for the production of various types of vehicles – from passenger cars to minibuses.
Previously, a plant for the production of automobile engines also operated in the region. After its closure, the enterprises began to use imported components. The initiative’s authors believe that launching a new production facility will help develop local industry and reduce dependence on foreign supplies.
The idea of reviving the brand has been discussed for several years. Back in 2023, Dmitry Vorona, a member of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy, proposed bringing back the Zaporozhets brand, adapting it to modern market demands.
However, experts are cautious about the initiative. Automotive columnist Yuri Kramarenko believes that talking about a full-fledged revival of the domestic auto industry is premature.
“Show me at least one car manufacturer in Russia where the technology, machines, and components are completely indigenous. If we’re talking about a Chinese car with a new badge again, that’s a completely different story. “Just as the Moskvich never became the same Moskvich as it used to be, it would be hard to call such a car a real Zaporozhets,” the expert noted.
