Armenian Cars: A History of Innovation and Style
Armenian Cars: A Guide to the History, Culture, and Market of Automobiles in Armenia
Armenia is a small landlocked country in the Caucasus region, with a rich and ancient culture and history. But did you know that Armenia also has a fascinating car industry and culture? In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and market of automobiles in Armenia, and learn more about the unique features and challenges of Armenian cars.
History of Armenian Cars
The history of Armenian cars dates back to the Soviet era, when Armenia was part of the USSR. In 1964, the Council of Ministers of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic decided to establish a car factory in Yerevan, the capital city. The factory was named ErAZ (Yerevan Automobile Plant) and started producing vans based on the RAF-977 model from Latvia. The ErAZ vans were popular among Armenians and other Soviet citizens for their spaciousness, reliability, and affordability. They were also exported to several countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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The ErAZ factory produced various models of vans until 1996, when it declared bankruptcy due to economic difficulties and competition from foreign brands. The most famous model was the ErAZ-762, also known as Yeraz (Dream), which had a payload of 800 kg and could carry up to 12 passengers. The ErAZ-762 was also used as a basis for other modifications, such as ambulances, fire trucks, school buses, and mobile libraries.
Another attempt to create an Armenian car industry was made in 1995, when a private company called Avtovaz-Armenia started assembling Lada cars from Russia. However, this project was also short-lived and ended in 2000.
Today, there are no active car manufacturers in Armenia, but there are some enthusiasts who try to preserve and restore the old ErAZ vans and other vintage cars. There are also some initiatives to promote electric vehicles and eco-friendly transportation in Armenia.
Culture of Armenian Cars
Cars are not only a means of transportation in Armenia, but also a symbol of status, identity, and pride. Armenians love their cars and take good care of them. They also like to customize them with various accessories, stickers, flags, and ornaments. Some Armenians even name their cars or consider them as part of their family.
Driving in Armenia can be a challenging and adventurous experience, as the roads are often narrow, bumpy, crowded, and poorly maintained. Drivers have to deal with traffic jams, potholes, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and sometimes even landslides or snowstorms. However, Armenians are also known for their hospitality and generosity, so they often help each other on the road or offer rides to strangers.
One of the most popular car-related events in Armenia is the annual Tuning Show, where car enthusiasts from all over the country gather to showcase their modified vehicles and compete for prizes. The Tuning Show features various categories of cars, such as classic, sport, off-road, luxury, lowrider, etc. The event also includes music performances, contests, games, and exhibitions.
Market of Armenian Cars
The market of Armenian cars is influenced by several factors, such as the economic situation, the availability of credit, the import regulations, the fuel prices, and the consumer preferences. According to the data from CEIC, the passenger car sales in Armenia reached 970 units in 2019, a decrease of 61% from 2018. The main reasons for this decline were the depreciation of the national currency, the increase of import taxes, and the low demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The most popular car brands in Armenia are I have completed the article on Armenian cars. I hope you find it useful and informative. Here is the final version of the article with HTML formatting: Armenian Cars: A Guide to the History, Culture, and Market of Automobiles in Armenia
Armenia is a small landlocked country in the Caucasus region, with a rich and ancient culture and history. But did you know that Armenia also has a fascinating car industry and culture? In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and market of automobiles in Armenia, and learn more about the unique features and challenges of Armenian cars.
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History of Armenian Cars
The history of Armenian cars dates back to the Soviet era, when Armenia was part of the USSR. In 1964, the Council of Ministers of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic decided to establish a car factory in Yerevan, the capital city. The factory was named ErAZ (Yerevan Automobile Plant) and started producing vans based on the RAF-977 model from Latvia. The ErAZ vans were popular among Armenians and other Soviet citizens for their spaciousness, reliability, and affordability. They were also exported to several countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The ErAZ factory produced various models of vans until 1996, when it declared bankruptcy due to economic difficulties and competition from foreign brands. The most famous model was the ErAZ-762, also known as Yeraz (Dream), which had a payload of 800 kg and could carry up to 12 passengers. The ErAZ-762 was also used as a basis for other modifications, such as ambulances, fire trucks, school buses, and mobile libraries.
Another attempt to create an Armenian car industry was made in 1995, when a private company called Avtovaz-Armenia started assembling Lada cars from Russia. However, this project was also short-lived and ended in 2000.
Today, there are no active car manufacturers in Armenia, but there are some enthusiasts who try to preserve and restore the old ErAZ vans and other vintage cars. There are also some initiatives to promote electric vehicles and eco-friendly transportation in Armenia.
Culture of Armenian Cars
Cars are not only a means of transportation in Armenia, but also a symbol of status, identity, and pride. Armenians love their cars and take good care of them. They also like to customize them with various accessories, stickers, flags, and ornaments. Some Armenians even name their cars or consider them as part of their family.
Driving in Armenia can be a challenging and adventurous experience, as the roads are often narrow, bumpy, crowded, and poorly maintained. Drivers have to deal with traffic jams, potholes, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and sometimes even landslides or snowstorms. However, Armenians are also known for their hospitality and generosity, so they often help each other on the road or offer rides to strangers.
One of the most popular car-related events in Armenia is the annual Tuning Show, where car enthusiasts from all over the country gather to showcase their modified vehicles and compete for prizes. The Tuning Show features various categories of cars, such as classic, sport, off-road, luxury, lowrider, etc. The event also includes music performances, contests, games, and exhibitions.
Market of Armenian Cars
The market of Armenian cars is influenced by several factors, such as the economic situation, the availability of credit, the import regulations, the fuel prices, and the consumer preferences. According to the data from CEIC, the passenger car sales in Armenia reached 970 units in 2019, a decrease of 61% from 2018. The main reasons for this decline were the depreciation of the national currency, the increase of import taxes, and the low demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The most popular car brands in Armenia are Hyundai, Mercedes, Opel, Nissan, and Toyota, according to the data from 2017. These brands offer a variety of models, from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and trucks, to suit the needs and preferences of Armenian consumers. Some of the best-selling models in Armenia are the Hyundai Accent, the Mercedes E-Class, the Opel Astra, the Nissan Qashqai, and the Toyota Corolla.
However, the car market in Armenia is also influenced by the availability of second-hand cars, which are often cheaper and more accessible than new ones. Many Armenians import used cars from countries such as Georgia, Russia, Germany, and Japan, or buy them from local dealers or individuals. Some of the most common Some of the most common second-hand car brands in Armenia are Lada, BMW, Volkswagen, Kia, and Ford.
Conclusion
Armenian cars are a reflection of the country's history, culture, and economy. They show how Armenians have adapted to the changing times and circumstances, and how they have expressed their i