Volga (Russian: Волга) is an automobile brand that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the venerated GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Modern in design, the car surivived several generations. Although Volga cars were readily used as taxi cabs, road police interceptors and ambulances (based on the estate versions), it was their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura, that made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car were produced.