Russia Reviving Volga: Another Historic Brand Rises Again
Volkswagen recently released tantalizing design concept images for the 2025 models of its popular Golf and Golf GTI, while Russia is reportedly considering reviving the iconic Volga brand.The unveiling of these sketches gives us a glimpse into the future of Volkswagen’s flagship hatchback. With sleeker lines and a more modern aesthetic, the 2025 Golf/Golf GTI promises to be a refreshing update on the current model.But while Volkswagen looks ahead, Russia is looking back. The country has expressed interest in resurrecting the beloved Volga brand, which was renowned for its luxury cars during the Soviet era. This move would not only bring back a piece of automotive history, but also potentially boost the Russian automobile industry.With these developments, it seems that both Volkswagen and Russia are eager to make their mark in the ever-evolving world of cars. Only time will tell how these plans will unfold, but one thing is for sure – the competition in the automotive market is heating up.
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Volkswagen shocked the public at the recent CES event in Las Vegas by unveiling the 2025 edition of their popular Golf model. Despite its extensive disguise, the automaker from Wolfsburg lifted the veil on the interior which boasted a massive display attached to the dashboard. The highly anticipated debut is just within reach as the German brand has released revealing sketches.
Volkswagen’s Head of Design, Andreas Mindt, recently posted teasers of the regular Golf on Instagram. At the same time, the automaker released a short clip on YouTube giving us an official glimpse of the GTI. Whether it’s the standard model or the hot hatch, the car’s exterior can best be described as “evolutionary.” It’s clear that VW is sticking to a tried and true design for their compact car.
With its upcoming release in the coming days, the non-American version of the Golf is anticipated to retain its manual transmission. However, the GTI will only be offered worldwide with the DSG option. The high-performance all-wheel-drive R model is also expected to forego the manual gearbox. This marks the last update for the robust Golf in the era of traditional combustion engines.
As the decade draws to a close, the ninth-generation model will only be available as an electric car, utilizing the VW Group’s Scalable Systems Platform technology. Production will take place in Wolfsburg, where it will join other vehicles utilizing the SSP architecture.
The return of the Volga marks a significant milestone for Russia’s automobile industry. After years of staying out of production, the iconic Russian car is making a comeback with a modern twist.The revival of the Volga has been met with excitement and nostalgia from car enthusiasts. With its unique vintage design and affordable price, it quickly became a popular choice among consumers when it was first introduced in the 1950s. Now, with updated technology and improved features, the new Volga aims to attract both old fans and a new generation of drivers.This historic car has a long history that dates back to the 1940s when it was first conceptualized by Soviet leaders as a symbol of their country’s industrial progress. The first models were primarily used as government cars, but soon became available for civilians to purchase. For many years, the Volga was a symbol of status and wealth for the Soviet middle class.However, as Russia opened up to foreign car imports in the 1990s, the Volga’s popularity began to decline. Production eventually came to a halt due to financial struggles and technical issues. But now, with a revamped design and advanced engineering, the Volga is ready to reclaim its place on the market.The new Volga boasts an updated engine
In late 2022, Russian officials have announced the reintroduction of Volga, a previously defunct Soviet automotive brand. This decision follows the successful revival of Moskvich, which began selling rebadged Chinese vehicles in Russia. According to a report from Wards Auto, Denis Manturov, the Minister of Industry and Trade in Russia, has confirmed the return of Volga after its original run from 1956 to 2010.
The strategy is to collaborate with another car manufacturer in order to accelerate the production process. Nevertheless, GAZ Group, the parent company of Volga, has reportedly struggled to find a suitable partner. This comes as no shock, as the majority of major companies have withdrawn from Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The goal is to position Volga as a high-end brand, yet local experts are apprehensive that working with Chinese automakers may harm its intended sophisticated image.
However, it is expected that the initial modern version of the Volga will make its official debut this summer, carrying a hefty price tag of $28,000. This vehicle is slated to be utilized by Russian government officials.
In recent developments, Russian company AvtoVAZ intends to introduce a fresh label for marketing compact, midsize, and fullsize vehicles. It remains uncertain if these will be derived from established Chinese automobiles or developed on a new framework by the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (NAMI) of the country.
Sources: Andreas Mindt / Instagram, Volkswagen News / YouTube, Wards Auto
