The GAZelle NEXT bus is the latest Russian model of a small bus designed for city, suburban, corporate and tourist travel. The distinguishing feature of the new vehicle is its high and the spacious and comfortable passenger compartment that has 18 seats and is easily accessible. The GAZelle NEXT bus ensures a high level of comfort, reliability and safety of passengers, whilst at the same time having a price advantage of being 30 to 60% less than its rivals. The new bus broadens the selection of GAZ vehicles for Russian customers and also has high export potential, particularly for Eastern European countries.
The bus is the third model in the NEXT LCV model range. Its production was started at GAZ plant in April 2013 with a drop-side model in standard platform, which is already certified for sales in 28 states of the European Union, as well as enlarged platform versions. In early March 2014, the production of the NEXT crew cabin vehicle was started. The GAZ Group development program stipulates the entire product portfolio of commercial vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight from 2.8 to 5t.
The price for GAZelle NEXT bus in Russia starts from 985,000 rubles (around 28,000 US dollars).
Ergonomics and Comfort
The new frame structure of the GAZelle NEXT bus ensures the comfort and convenience of passengers. The new bus has a wide and spacious compartment with a height 190 cm that allows the majority of passengers to stand up comfortably. The large glassing area provides for good visibility and lightness of the design. The bus has wide and comfortable passenger seats. The electromechanically driven swing door controlled from the driver’s seat and the low footstep enable easy access to passengers getting on/off the bus.
The GAZelle NEXT Bus has two additional heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature inside, even when it is extremely cold outside. The side panels are coated with special noise-absorbing materials and the athermic glasses protects passengers from bright sunlight.
Modern Technical Solutions and Long Life-Cycle
The new gearbox in the GAZelle Next bus is more powerful than previously with up to 330 Nm being used. The compact body of the new bus, couple with special engine settings (for moving in traffic jams and frequent stopping and starting) and an increase in the size of wing mirrors, enables high maneuverability of the bus in constrained city conditions.
The new bus is built based on the GAZelle NEXT basic chassis with a special focus on comfort, active and passive safety, reliability and functionality. The chassis has been upgraded to meet increased safety and comfort requirements to passenger vehicles. The reinforced rear axle and rear suspension enable the bus to operate on bad roads. The body has a high corrosion resistance which has been achieved through the shell e-coating and application of the zinc-coated steel (sides and hood) and fiberglass (rear and front panels, front fenders and roof).
Tests
The GAZelle NEXT buses have passed the full range of assessment and validation tests. The tests were run with maximum load and included tests for movement smoothness, road worthiness, steerability and braking characteristics. Tests were carried out on all the types of surface, including cobblestones and ice, as well as running across tramways and railway crossings.
We ran tests in different climatic conditions, including the hot steppe territories of the Astrakhan Region and Caucasian mountains. Testing in such diverse conditions ensures that we are confident that the bus can operate successfully in the variety of climatic zones this country has.
Testing was carried out on the acoustical comfort of the vehicle to ensure passenger comfort. Tests were additionally completed to ensure the easy maintenance of the vehicles.
Production Modernization
The GAZ Specialty LCV Shop required modernization in preparation for the NEXT bus production: new laser lines, robot-aided pipe bending equipment, upgraded paint facility and new quality control stations were all installed. LG, one of the global leaders in tool engineering, developed and supplied to high-precision shell welding equipment to enable GAZ to modernize its facilities and production line.
