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GAZ

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GAZ, or Gorkovsky avtomobilny zavod, is a major Russian automotive manufacturer. It is located in the city of Nizhny Novgorod.

Gorky Automobile Plant. Main entrance. 09-2019 01
Gorky Automobile Plant. Main entrance. 09-2019 01

The company serves as the core subsidiary of the GAZ Group Holding. This holding is part of the larger Basic Element industrial group. Today, the company is a key player in the global automotive industry. It produces many different types of vehicles for various needs. These range from light commercial vehicles to heavy-duty trucks and military machines.

The history of GAZ began with an international partnership. In May 1929, the Soviet Union signed an agreement with the American Ford Motor Company. The Soviets agreed to purchase $13 million worth of automobiles and parts. In exchange, Ford provided technical assistance until 1938. This help was used to build an integrated manufacturing plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Production officially started on January 1, 1932. At that time, the factory was known as the Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant, or NAZ. It was named after the Soviet minister Vyacheslav Molotov.

As the factory grew, its name and models changed. In 1933, the city was renamed after Maxim Gorky. Consequently, the plant became known as GAZ. The first vehicles produced were the GAZ-AA truck and the GAZ-A passenger car. These were based on the Ford Model AA and Ford Model A. Later, the GAZ-A was replaced by the GAZ-M1. This model was produced from 1936 to 1942. The "M" in its name stood for Molotovets, which means "of Molotov's fame."

GAZ-14 Tschaika Potsdam 2013 (cropped)
GAZ-14 Tschaika Potsdam 2013 (cropped)

During World War II, GAZ played a vital role in military production. The factory assembled Chevrolet G7107 and G7117 models from parts shipped from the US. These were sent under the Lend Lease program. GAZ also manufactured several types of armored vehicles. One example was the BA-64, a light armored reconnaissance car. This model was based on the GAZ-64 jeep and used a 7.62 mm DT machine gun. Between 1942 and 1946, over 9,000 units of the BA-64 were built. Other models included the heavy BA-6 and the powerful six-wheeled BA-3.

The postwar period saw the creation of iconic civilian vehicles. In 1946, GAZ began producing the GAZ-M20 Pobeda, or "Victory." This was a streamlined sedan that was very affordable. It was notable for being the first Soviet car to use electric windshield wipers. Later, the GAZ-21 Volga became a major symbol of the Soviet era. It launched in 1956 and offered many modern features. For example, it came standard with a radio and a cigarette lighter. Some versions even had automatic transmissions and power steering.

Volga Siber front Moscow autoshow 2008 26 08
Volga Siber front Moscow autoshow 2008 26 08

GAZ has experienced significant corporate changes in recent decades. In November 2000, the company was acquired in a hostile takeover by SibAl. By 2003, the company decided that making passenger cars was no longer its main priority. In 2006, GAZ attempted to acquire the English van maker LDV. While they planned to market the MAXUS van in Europe and Asia, a recession halted production at the LDV plant. The plant was eventually sold to a Chinese company in 2009. Despite these shifts, the factory has remained a massive industrial hub. It produced its ten millionth vehicle in March 1981.

GAZelle flags, Astana, Kazakhstan
GAZelle flags, Astana, Kazakhstan

Today, GAZ operates through many international contract manufacturing agreements. The facility in Nizhny Novgorod is used to build vehicles for several global brands. For instance, the plant uses assembly lines from Chrysler to manufacture vehicles. It also works with Volkswagen Group Rus. This agreement involves an investment of €200 million. Through this partnership, the plant produces models like the Škoda Yeti and the Volkswagen Jetta. The peak production volume for these models is planned to reach about 110,000 vehicles.

GAZ GAZon Next flatbed truck (cropped)
GAZ GAZon Next flatbed truck (cropped)

Looking toward the future, GAZ is exploring new energy technologies. In November 2021, the GAZ Group announced a new goal for its division, Silovye Agregaty. The division plans to begin mass production of hydrogen engines. This development follows years of adapting to global economic changes. The company continues to evolve from a local manufacturer into a complex global partner. Whether building commercial GAZelle vans or high-tech engines, the factory remains a central part of the automotive world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Gorky Automobile Plant. Main entrance. 09-2019 01.jpg
Gorky Automobile Plant. Main entrance....
File:GAZelle flags, Astana, Kazakhstan.jpg
GAZelle flags, Astana, Kazakhstan.jpg
File:GAZ-14 Tschaika Potsdam 2013 (cropped).JPG
GAZ-14 Tschaika Potsdam 2013 (cropped).JPG
File:Volga Siber front Moscow autoshow 2008 26 08.jpg
Volga Siber front Moscow autoshow 2008 26 08.jpg
File:GAZ GAZon Next flatbed truck (cropped).jpg
GAZ GAZon Next flatbed truck (cropped).jpg
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