Скачать или смотреть RUSSIA: MOSCOW: MOTOR SHOW

(26 Aug 1995) Russian/Eng/Nat

Russian car manufacturers have unveiled eye catching designs at the Moscow motor show.

But local drivers aren't convinced.

Many suspect the new models are the same old clunkers they're used to - with merely cosmetic changes.

However imported cars are as popular as ever at the second Russian Autosalon.

A Formula One racing car pulls visitors into the Moscow motor show.

Like this vintage Mercedes it's not for sale - but the Autosalon is packed with new models vying for buyers.

Most of the people at the show are interested in western cars like B-M-Ws and Peugeots.

The Russian motor industry is desperately trying to compete. But buyers aren't convinced by new models like this Volga.

Political instability also makes its harder for the Russian manufacturers to upgrade their designs.

SOUNDBITE: (In Russian)

"Investors are scared off or worried by the coming elections - and their unpredictability - and the unpredictability of future government policy."

SUPERCAPTION: Sergei Batyanov, Chief Volga Designer.

Despite the investment difficulties, the Russians are making progress, with a little help from mainstream foreign brands.

Though Russians cars have yet to take the world market by storm, outside observers are impressed by the advance they've made so far.

SOUNDBITE:

"Russian cars do improve tremendously. You see a tremendous change. You see that they want to learn a lot. They take a lot of ideas from other countries which I think is a good idea."

SUPERCAPTION: Peter Conz, Regional Manager, Chrysler.

But not everyone is impressed, least of all Russians themselves.

For them the new Ladas and Volgas in the showrooms are just cosmetic exercises in car design.

VOX-POP: (In Russian)

"There's something agricultural about them. Our cars are basically like agricultural machinery."

SUPERCAPTION:

It's an impression that will be hard to lose.

Russian cars have for so long disappointed their owners that no matter how hard manufacturers try, they will have a tough time convincing potential customers,

But they do have one advantage. They are much cheaper than their imported rivals.

And in today's Russia, that counts.

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