Regional officials in Zaporizhzhia have floated reviving the famed Zaporozhets brand, aiming for a modern revival rather than reviving the most iconic early versions. This update comes through reports from DEA News and local sources.
Vladimir Rogov, a member of the regional military–civil administration, stated that following the city’s liberation, there are plans to reactivate the Zaporizhzhia Automobile Construction Plant. He noted that the facility could potentially support the production of vehicles in the Zaporozhets family again, subject to favorable conditions and investment.
Rogov added that public interest appears strong for a refreshed Zaporozhets line, especially in light of the positive reception to the renewed Moskvich branding. He suggested that an updated Zaporozhets, designed to meet contemporary standards rather than reproducing the older, ear-equipped versions, could join a revived domestic automotive sector and find demand among buyers seeking compact, affordable cars.
According to Rogov, the plant’s development has slowed in recent years while it has remained under the influence of various private interests. The intention now is to explore realistic pathways to restart manufacturing and leverage the region’s industrial capacity to support a modern, locally produced automobile option.
Historically, from 1960 to 1994, the Zaporozhets name represented two main models. These vehicles were distinguished by their rear-mounted engines, compact displacement, independent suspension, and two-door sedan bodies. The design language of Zaporozhets vehicles featured compact dimensions and pragmatic engineering that appealed to a broad segment of buyers during the Soviet era.
During the 1960s, Zaporozhets became known as an accessible and widely used automobile. The nickname associated with the line, sometimes referred to as the “humpback,” gained prominence in the late 1970s following popular television and cultural references. The exact terminology reflected the era’s automotive design language and public perception rather than current specifications.
Recent public sentiment includes continued interest in domestic car brands. Market observers note that a modernized Gavril Moskvich line, alongside revival efforts for Zaporozhets, could align with broader regional and national initiatives to bolster local manufacturing and supplier networks, while meeting contemporary safety and emission standards. These discussions underscore the broader push to diversify supply chains and expand consumer choice within the automotive sector. [citation: DEA News]