GAZ Group, a part of Basic Element, one of the Russia’s largest diversified industrial groups, has received the European Community’s Whole Vehicle Type Approval which allows for selling GAZelle NEXT in all EU countries.
In order to receive EU certificate GAZ group specialists have reworked and tested the vehicle for over a year. Certification tests were carried out in Russia and abroad. The EURO-5 vehicle emission standards tests were carried out by the European technical service of AТ IDIADA (Spain). It was confirmed that the vehicle complies with 43 safety requirements and 113 international certificates were received, 74 of those certificates were for the components: safety belts, tyres, glass etc.
Now GAZ Group is negotiating with potential distributors in several EU countries on creation of sales systems and service maintenance. In May 2014 GAZ Group presented GAZelle NEXT and Sobol 4×4 ambulances at RETTmobil 2014, the biggest international exhibition of fire-fighting, rescue and medical vehicles, which took place in Fulda, Germany. European customers showed great interest in GAZ products because of their strong combination of performance characteristics and competitive price.
Vadim Sorokin, GAZ Group President, said: “The extension of export deliveries is the one of the spheres of GAZ strategic development which is especially important as the commercial vehicles market in Russia is reducing. The European certification grants us the right to sell GAZelle NEXT Euro-5 in 28 European Union countries, and we have the similar certificate for selling AWD Gazelle BUSINESS and Sobol BUSINESS vehicles. Moreover, the certificate itself is the official confirmation of the fact that GAZ LCVs comply with the requirements and standards set for this vehicle class in Europe”.
For reference
Exports of GAZ vehicles in 2013 amounted to 16 400 vehicles (15% growth compared to 2012). This is about 17% of total GAZ sales. In 2012 export share in the total sales was 13%. Export growth was caused by sales growth in the CIS countries, as well as in the South-East Asia, North Africa and Middle East.
State-of-the-art technical solutions, ergonomics and safety
The design of GAZelle NEXT vehicle launched in April 2013 combines state-of-the-art engineering solutions, high active and passive safety level, and excellent ergonomics of the driver’s workplace. All this makes the new model a perfect choice for professionals. The long service life and short pay-back period of the vehicle while using it in various areas of business are aptly complimented with the extended warranty, low maintenance costs, high fuel efficiency and the best price in class.
GAZelle Next is built using parts and components from world leading suppliers: Cummins diesel engine, ZF steering, Mando shock absorbers, Anvis silent blocks, braking system elements form Bosch and Mando, CSA Castellon adjustable steering column, Sachs clutch, Takata safety belts, Delphi HVAC, driving seat from Isringhausen
NEXT’s spacious cabin is equipped with a comfortable anatomic driver’s seat with 5 adjustments and lumbar support. New independent double-wishbone front suspension is as or more robust than leaf spring, while ensuring a smoother ride, excellent stability and response at high speeds.
Rack-and-pinion steering provides passenger car sharpness and response. Modularized steering gear and wheel suspension eliminate understeer, even in movement on uneven roads.
GAZelle NEXT’s brake system is designed with double redundancy. Larger master cylinder, high-efficiency front brakes with heat-resistant brake disks have lowered pedal stress and reduced stopping distance from 80 kmph to 34 meters – best performance among commercial vehicles.
