BACK IN THE USSR: A LADA 'BOUT LADA - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 474

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours features a deep dive into the Lada 2101, commonly known as the 'Kopeyka,' with enthusiast Julian Azariah. The discussion highlights the car's historical significance as the 'people's car' of the Soviet Union, its origins as a licensed Fiat 124, and the robust modifications made to withstand harsh Russian roads. Azariah shares his personal journey of acquiring the 1985 model, emphasizing its rarity and originality in the US market. The conversation also touches upon the car's affordability, its surprisingly easy parts availability via the internet, and the unique inclusion of original toolkits and first-aid kits. While the Lada 2101 is praised for its historical value and unique appeal, its modest 67 horsepower and basic features are acknowledged. The panel also briefly discusses broader industry news, including the disproportionate media attention on Tesla fires compared to other EVs, the financial struggles of ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft, and BMW's strategic challenges with model lineup and electrification costs.