GAZ-3110  The Volga GAZ-3110 is an automobile manufactured by the Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (GAZ, Gorky Automobile Plant) from 1996 to 2004 as a generation of its Volga marque. After the launch of the GAZelle, whose demand was astronomic, the plant secured a stable influx of needed revenue for its own upgrade and future models. Having failed to introduce the 3103/3102/3105 family, and seeing that demand for the GAZ-31029 Volga was still high, it was clear that the car could and would soldier on for a considerable time. Instead of experimenting with "temporary" cars, such was the inherit nature of both the 24-10 and 31029, a more permanent solution was chosen by giving the vehicle a major upgrade. Work began in 1995, and a prototype was shown at the Moscow car show that year. Overall the GAZ-3110 was an instant success, despite its aged profile, GAZ finally had a car that could bridge a gap before the planned new vehicle (GAZ-3111) entered in the early 2000s. Though hardly a rival for new foreign marques, it certainly did snatch their re-sale market in its favour. Prices in 1997 was US$8800 for the budget version with 402 engine, and US$12,900 for the 406 equipped. Even the 1998 Russian financial crisis hardly affected the Volga's demand, quite the contrary, GAZ capitalised on marketing it as an inexpensive alternative. However, the car was still plagued by the common reliability issues of all 1990s built cars: poor assembly quality, faulty electronics, and low service culture, especially for the fuel-injected 406 models. The latter engine in 1999 already had its first refit and a compression ratio reduced to 9.2 to avoid detonation, reducing the power from 150 to 131 hp. As the decade closed, in 2000 GAZ was in active preparation to launch the 3111 Volga. The vehicle demanded a serious upgrade to existing facilities at the plant, and as these came online, they were extensively tested by the 3110. For example, the new Haden Drysys paintshop, when introduced to the conveyor, with attractive acrylic and metallic finishes, helped to tackle the major corrosion problems of the 3110. Simultaneously came the new 265/70R15 tyres. A small series of licence-built Steyr Diesel engines (ZMZ-560) were available.