 Belgian-built cars were marketed as "Scaldia-Volgas," named after the Latin name for the river Scheldt.While the diesel models cost considerably more than ones with the original engine, they were quite popular for their economy and reliability and outsold the petrol models in both Belgium and the Netherlands.The car's large size and tough construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and V8-engined versions (designated GAZ M23) were produced for the KGB.