The deputy and head of the 'Just Russia – For Truth' party, Sergey Mironov, made an interesting statement today: he proposed to launch a national project 'People's Car' in Russia, within which a domestic car will be created that would be affordable for everyone – priced at around 500 thousand rubles.

Sales of new cars are gradually increasing, but prices are not decreasing and something tells me they will only rise. And even if the deficit problem disappears, it does not look like available models will return to the market. Therefore, the problem of an aging car fleet, which is already affecting accident rates, will continue to increase geometrically in the future. There is only one solution – our country needs a 'people's car' that meets modern basic safety and comfort requirements, he said.

The deputy even outlined the characteristics of the hypothetical car: it should have a 1.5L engine with 100-120 horsepower, a manual transmission, high ground clearance, two airbags, air conditioning, ABS and ESC systems, and the 'ERA-GLONASS' complex. In other words, Sergey Mironov described something like the current Lada Granta, but with a pre-crisis price.  

Of course, such a car will only be 'national' if it has an affordable price – around 500 thousand rubles, and that will only be possible due to strong state support. Therefore, a special national project is needed. Otherwise we are doomed to an aging car fleet, an increase in deaths and injuries on the roads, the parliamentarian concluded.