OREANDA-NEWS. GAZ Group, a member of Basic Element, a most diversified Russian industrial group, announces start of serial production of new Ural Next family. The new model proves Next lineup development, the production of which started in 2013 with GAZelle Next. About RUR 800 B were invested in development and setting up production of the new Ural vehicle.

Ural Plant started serial production of Next family vehicles. For the first time the new model was shown at the international specialty vehicle exhibition "Construction Vehicles and Technologies" in June of the current year. Preproduction of Ural Next was carried out within 2015. Prototypes undercame the entire cycle of lab, certification, mileage and operational tests on different roads and in different climatic conditions.

New equipment was installed within the framework of preproduction to assure high quality of key system and components of Ural vehicles. Particularly, new machines are used for part production and equipment for high quality casting surface cleaning. Additional powder painting facilities are established and e-coating lines are upgraded to increase corrosion resistance of the paint coating.

Cab modules for new vehicles are made at AZ GAZ in a single flow with other GAZ vehicle cabs. Most front-end and structural stamped panels of Next cabs (40 items) are made at automatic Komatsu lines (Japan). For such purposes over 230 high-precision dies, control appliances and automation equipment made in Korea are used. Cab parts that are most exposed to aggressive environments are galvanized. Cab front end parts are made of modern shock-resistant plastics.

Ural Next with payload of 5.5-13 t (wheel formulas 4x4 and 6x6) broaden the existing Ural lineup. The new vehicle keeps the conventional advantages of Ural brand - unique off-road capabilities and high functionality - and is distinguished by higher reliability and comfort, improved steering capacity and efficiency. The modern appearance and interior, spacy and comfortable cab, easy steering, and excellent ergonomics are achieved by application of modern design solutions and components of the world-best quality standards. The vehicles has high operational efficiency: because of the technical solutions applied, the warranty period amounts to 24 months or 100 thous. km, service frequency is 15 thous. km, high endurance and residual value.

Ural Next vehicles are equipped with YMZ-536 engines. YMZ-536 has low noise level, modern Common Rail fuel system that provides for injection pressure of 1,800 bar. The power range of YMZ-536 engines installed to Ural Next amounts to 240-312 hp. YMZ-536 assures high traction and dynamic characteristics and efficiency of Ural Next vehicles. The engine lifecycle amounts to 1 M km.

Ural Next vehicles are used for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as trailer hauling on any roads and in any conditions including off-road and severe climate. Key customers are oil and gas, timber and construction companies, and EMERCOM departments.

Viktor Kadylkin, Director of the Truck Division:
- Ural Next new generation truck is the result of large-scale cooperation of the GG Divisions. This is a new stage of development of our company and an important step towards our customer. The conventional qualities of the Ural brand, such as high endurance, cross-road capability, reliability, are supplemented by new features - high maneuverability and lifecycle, reduced fuel consumption and improved driving qualities. The main thing is that we have created comfortable environment for the driver by developing a spacy and ergonomic cab. We are sure that the vehicle will become a reliable assistant and partner to manufacturers of different branches.