OREANDA-NEWS. GAZ Group's Gorky Automobile Plant, a part of Basic Element, one of the Russia's largest diversified industrial groups, launched a mass production of a new generation medium-duty truck GAZon Next. President Vladimir Putin together with the head of Basic Element's supervisory board Oleg Deripaska and GAZ Group President Vadim Sorokin announced the launch via a televised session with the plant's workers.

GAZon NEXT is the third GAZ vehicle released in 2014. Earlier this year GAZ Group has unveiled a 19-seat Gazelle NEXT bus and a double-row cargo-and-passenger version of GAZelle NEXT light commercial vehicle. Apart from GAZon NEXT, the model range includes Sadko NEXT off-roader that will be released in 2015. Total investment in the GAZon NEXT family trucks is USD 60 million.

The design of GAZon NEXT vehicle 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 a 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.

GAZon NEXT is built using systems and components from world's leading suppliers: ZF steering, Tenneco shock absorbers, braking elements from Wabco, CSA Castellon adjustable steering column, ZF clutch, Takata safety belts, Delphi HVAC. The truck is powered by high-output and fuel-efficient YMZ-534 engine, one of the most modern among diesel power units. The engine's power output, compare to the current models, is increased from 136 to 149 HP.

The urban and universal versions of GAZon NEXT are differentiated by wheel size and loading height. The urban truck's lower platform allows faster and easier loading/offloading, whereas the universal truck's higher road clearance enhances its off-road capability.

GAZon NEXThas a payload capacity of 5 tons, 500 kg more compared to previous models of GAZ trucks. Due to increased length and width of the cargo platform and use of an increased-height rectangular canopy, loading area has grown by 20%, and loading volume (under canopy) by 42%. Broader cargo platform can hold 9 (standard wheelbase) or 12 (long-wheelbase) standard cargo pallets in one layer vs. 6/10 pallets in older model range trucks. GAZon NEXT's double-row cabin has a total of 7 seats, while a single-row model can accommodate 3 people.

The truck is also equipped with a modernized front and rear suspension, a new hydraulic power steering. Anti-lock brake system and anti-slip regulation ensure improved safety and maneuverability.

GAZon NEXT's spacious cabin is equipped with a comfortable anatomic driver's seat with 5 adjustments and lumbar support.

With an extended three-year warranty or 150,000 kilometers the truck has a service interval up to 20,000 kilometers -the best conditions in light and medium-duty trucks segment.

In preparation to manufacturing GAZon NEXT, GAZ auto plant has dramatically upgraded its production facilities including installation of new welding lines and over 100 advanced molding tools.

Due to the vehicle's reliability, the best-in-class price and low maintenance costs, GAZon NEXT has high export potential, particularly for Eastern European countries, Asia and Africa.

Oleg Deripaska, head of Basic Element's supervisory board: "GAZon NEXT is GAZ Group's third product in 2014. I hope the vehicle will become a new leader among the medium-duty trucks since it has all the technological features for it"

Vadim Sorokin, GAZ Group President: "Safety, ergonomics and comfort are the three basic principles of the new vehicle. State-of-the-art technical solutions together with the world's leading suppliers of auto components ensured the best guarantee terms in its class: three years or 150,000 kilometers. None of our competitors have similar warranty conditions. Due to a higher payload capacity, increased passenger capacity, ergonomics and better drivability GAZon NEXT is an ideal choice for business, social and utilities sector."