The event was attended by the president of AvtoVAZ, Bo Andersson. He personally presented the new version of the 4x4 Urban SUV.
As Bo Andersson stated: "We are grateful to all the Lada brand fans gathered in Europe. Loyal customers make a huge contribution to the development and support of our brand. Export to Europe is very important to us. We produce world-class cars (surprisingly) and must win back our place in this market as well. The competitive situation will intensify in the economy class segment both in Russia and worldwide. We do not fear competition, but welcome it." He also hinted to the event participants that an updated version of the Lada 4x4 should appear in 2015.
The Niva (or Lada 4x4 as it is called in Europe) is a strategic model for AvtoVAZ. It accounts for the lion's share of the company's sales in Western Europe.
The 4x4 Urban, presented at the event, differs from the classic Niva with larger tires, an updated front end, and a bumper integrated into the body. Changes have been made to the interior, and options such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, and heated mirrors have been added.
Let us add that the event itself, in terms of its scale, deserves respect. More than 300 participants from most European countries gathered in the German city of Stadtoldendorf. The participants' cars arrived under their own power, and vehicles from different years of manufacture were present.
