GAZ : has launched production of all steel van GAZelle NEXT in Turkey

GAZ Group has launched manufacturing the cargo all-steel van and combi van Gazelle Next in Turkey. Key components for production come from Russia, as well as are purchased from Turkish suppliers. The first cargo all-steel vans and combi vans Gazelle Next, assembled at GAZ production site in Turkey, will go on sale this fall in the Turkish market.

Distinctive features of the cargo van Gazelle next are large volume of a body, high functionality and the richest basic configuration in its class. The body volume is 13.5 cubic. m. A special hatch allows carrying long cargo up to 5 m long. Easy access to the cargo bay allows loading and unloading to be simplified to the maximum extent. The rear doors can be fixed in semi-open position at the angle of 90 degrees and and in the fully open position at the angle of 270 degrees, providing the carrier with flexibility even in confined spaces of urban environment. The basic configuration of the vehicle already includes trims of the van walls made of high-strength plastic and floor covering made of special waterproof and wear-resistant plywood, that protect the body surface against wear and damage.

The GAZelle Next combi van allows transporting up to 7 people and 9.5 cubic.m. of cargo and combines the advantages of a truck and a comfortable minibus. The wide sliding door allows easy access to the rear section of the body. The rear seats are folding and can be converted into a convenient sleeping accommodation. Special niches under the rear seats and under the roof above the front row allow placing personal staff of a driver and passengers. There are a preheater Webasto and a radio 2 DIN already in the basic configuration.

The vehicle is equipped with a light, compact and economical engine Cummins ISF 2.8 150 HP power and 330 Nm torque. Huge power and torque allowed choosing the best settings for the engine, that provide high lifetime and excellent dynamic and traction characteristics with low fuel consumption. Even when fully loaded, the vehicle can be confidently operated in mountainous areas and in difficult road conditions.

New plastic fuel tank, which volume has grown to 80 litres, provides great mileage. Frame reinforcements allowed increasing the durability and reliability of the whole vehicle structure.

One of the most important design features of Gazelle Next is a front double wishbone system, that provides high reliability and is specially prepared for intensive operation of the fully loaded vehicle. Together with rack-and-gear steering, braking system with double power reserve, a spacious and comfortable cabin, suspension provide excellent handling, a high level of ergonomics and comfort.

Up to 200 versions of vehicles may be produced based on Gazelle Next vehicles: vans and refrigerators, dump trucks and repair workshops, ambulances, mobile shops and foodtrucks.

Pavel Sereda, Director of LCV&PC Division, GAZ Group, Head of GAZ Group affiliate in Turkey:

Start of production of the all-steel van Gazelle Next is the third stage of development of our production site in Sakarya after the start of production of Gazelle Business in 2012 and Gazelle Next in 2014. With the launch of new models we open our own affiliate in Turkey that will allow us to grow even faster in the local market. We plan to develop a dealer network, expand the lineup of locally assembled vehicles and actively involve Turkish companies, that will be able to make special vehicles on the basis of our vehicles.

Chingiz Yuksel, Director of the Assembly production of GAZ in Turkey:

Specially for launching production of all-metal van Gazelle Next we have upgraded and reconfigured the assembly equipment, that now works with the new body type. Implemented international quality standards of GAZ Group at the plant cover all production processes, that allows receiving the final product corresponding to the highest quality standards.