The secret mission of the Lada 2110 in Canada - or the story of a foretold failure

Lada sales in Canada began in the late 1970s and continued for nearly two decades, with the best year being 1981, when more than 16,000 cars were exported there. Later, annual imports were in the range of 5,000-6,000 units, but gradually began to decline, and by the late 1990s the contract was terminated, as it was no longer profitable for both countries magazin de piese auto online.

The secret mission of the Lada 2110 in Canada - or the story of a foretold failure

The most popular models sold in Canada are the VAZ-2121 "Niva", the VAZ-2016 and the VAZ-2105/2107. In 1992, the 2015/2107 versions, launched under the name Riva, were completely updated to meet the requirements for harmful emissions levels. In the same year, the largest automobile enterprise from the former USSR entered a period of complete reorganization, and in October it was privatized and transformed into a joint-stock company. In the same year, it was planned to start production of the completely new 2110 model as well, but for a number of reasons related to the economic crises after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was postponed for several years.

The first tests of the 2110 were carried out back in 1990 at the Porsche proving ground in Weissach, and in 1992 the first experimental series was made, and by decision of the new company management several copies of it were sent to Canada. At the same time, there was still hope that the production of the modern sedan could begin on time, which in turn required the appropriate preparation for its presentation on the Canadian market. Thus, in 1992, the first copies of the Lada 2110 were provided for testing to some of the brand's dealers in the province of Ontario. For obvious reasons, the event was not widely publicized, and the cars themselves were partially "disguised", with Chevrolet emblems placed on the front and rear hoods. From the few preserved photos, it is clear that some of the other company models, such as the Samara and Niva, also participated. The results of the winter tests conducted in Canada are not known, but the Lada 2110 was never imported. The first pre-production units of the new model appeared only in June 1995, and mass production began in 1996. However, in the following year, 1997, the Russian brand finally withdrew from Canada, both due to progressively declining sales and as a result of the introduction of new, increasingly strict standards for the level of harmful emissions.

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The most popular models sold in Canada are the VAZ-2121 "Niva", the VAZ-2016 and the VAZ-2105/2107

The first tests of the 2110 were carried out back in 1990 at the Porsche proving ground in Weissach, and in 1992 the first experimental series was made, and by decision of the new company management several copies of it were sent to Canada