TOGLIATTI, RUSSIA // Russian automaker AvtoVAZ will stop building the so-called "classic" Lada sedans by 2012. The boxy sedans are a common sight on eastern European roads and the design has changed little since the early 1970s. The phasing out of the Lada sedan is one measure the company is taking to survive the economic crisis, which has seen Russian car sales drop by 50 per cent. AvtoVAZ also plans to halve capital expenditure for the next three years and is hoping to receive state guarantees for loans to assist with investment.