Gorky Automobile Plant begins production of GAZelle NEXT 4.6 vans and van buses with increased body volume and passenger capacity
March 14, 2019
Nizhniy Novgorod, March 13, 2019 – Serial production of new GAZelle Next 4.6 vans and ven buses with extra long wheelbase launched at Gorky Automobile Plant. The modified length allowed increasing the cargo van volume to 15.5 m3 and the van bus passenger capacity to 22 seats. The increased functionality provides higher economic efficiency when using vehicles for cargo and passenger transportation. The new model allowed GAZ to enter a new segment of the commercial vehicle market, where previously only foreign automakers were present.
Gorky Automobile Plant began production of a new model of GAZelle Next 4.6 t van with an extra long wheelbase and increased body volume. Compared to the base model, the new model’s body volume increased by 15% from 13.5 to 15.5 m3, the cargo loading area increased by 20% from 6.8 to 8.1 m2. The payload capacity almost doubled – up to 2 tons.
With the new model GAZ enters the heavy van segment (HVAN according to the international classification) for the first time. Previously only vehicles produced by foreign automakers were present in this segment.
The production of the new van bus model started alongside with the van. Thanks to the increased payload capacity and body length the van bus passenger capacity has grown to 22 seats (19 seats and 3 standing places) while maintaining the same distance between seats. The design differences of the new models include – a new rear axle, higher load capacity and more efficient brake system with disc brakes on all wheels and ABS. The upgrade also involved the rear suspension: modified leaf-spring geometry allowed improving ride smoothness and improving stability on rough roads.
Source: GAZ Group
