Yugo prepares to be consigned to history |
| 21 November 2008 | 15:32
| Source:
B92 |
BELGRADE --
The old Zastava factory, now called Fiat Automobiles, is wrapping up production of its old models, which are due to be discontinued at the end of the year.
 | Workers put the finishing touches to one of the last Yugos (Beta)
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The assembly of these models began 37 years ago, and the owners and mechanics who still drive these domestic cars say that the vehicles will remain their favorite, despite the end of production.
Problems with starters, blocked carburetors and high running costs are just some of the things that face those who fail to maintain their Zastavas properly.
Despite the constant anxiety and tension that owners face, many are nevertheless unwilling to sell their pride and joy.
One mechanic, who has been working at Zastava Motors for over 30 years, says that Zastava cars are very good and that owners find it hard to let go of their cars.
“Zastava cars, as far as I know, go over 100,000 kilometers. If the owner doesn’t change the oil regularly and doesn’t do what the factory recommends, of course the car won’t run,” he said.
“You can’t ask for a cheap car to be like a Chevrolet, Ford or Mercedes, it is only worth what you pay for it. It is a shame that Zastava has stopped production,” he added.
Besides replacing the Fića as the national car, the Yugo has also had a couple film roles in Hollywood and in domestic films.
Police officer Jovica Mirković says that Zastava’s "Stojadin” police car was a good vehicle.
“In all the time I’ve spent with the police, from the 1990s until today, they’ve worked very well for me. We’ve chased and caught some really mean cars, including a BMW,” he said.
“We have three or four patrols. When they get together, we can catch anyone,” Mirković said.
In Chicago 12 years ago, an American designer held a Yugo exhibition, where phones and other everyday objects were designed in the shape of the Yugo.
Zastava cars will continue to live on in films, televisions and music videos, while in America, where there are about 150,000 of them, they will soon become museum exhibits.
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