At the turn of the century into the new millennium, talk heated up about a democratic and affordable domestic car. Many believed such a vehicle would find a ready market in Russia.
ASM-Holding, born from the ruins of the Soviet Ministry of the Automotive Industry, took up the challenge with NAMI also involved. They proposed a car bearing the emblem Mishka that could be produced even in non-core factories and offered as a kit for self-assembly, though it remained unclear which factories would qualify.
The first tested example turned out to be the Oka with standard components and a not particularly tidy plastic panel body.
Then came the larger Bears, powered by Tavria engines — a Russian cousin to the MINI. Beyond the petrol variant, there were plans for an electric version and even a hybrid with wheel motors.