A professional automotive jury of “Za Rulem” Publishing House awarded the Grand Prix in “Breakthrough of the year” nomination to GAZelle NEXT family.
GAZelle NEXT family production started in 2013 with a drop-side model. In 2014 the family was supplemented by 19-seat bus and crew-cab cargo-passenger modification. In 2016 GAZ Group started sales in Russia of three new models of GAZelle NEXT family, i.e. 13.5 cub. m panel van, combi panel van and 17-seat minibus. Even during the first year of sales GAZelle NEXT van took 15% of the Russian market in the respective segment.
Light commercial vehicles of NEXT family combine modern engineering solutions, wide functionality and the lowest-in-class cost of ownership. The design features of the family include front wishbone suspension providing for high travelling comfort and perfect steering response. Integration of the steering system and front suspension provides for sharp steering response and directness even on poor-quality roads with rough riding surface. Dual-circuit braking system with front disk brakes and increased diameter of brake pads has a triple safety margin.
GAZelle NEXT vehicles have a frame design, which provides for operational reliability under rough road conditions and high loads, and also installation of a wide range of special-purpose superstructures for various types of business. Use of galvanized steel in exterior parts and structural elements of the cabin and body contributes to high corrosion resistance and long service life of the vehicle.
The Grand Prix of “Za Rulem” Publishing House is awarded to vehicles that gained the highest points as a result of voting of its readers. This year the contest participants included 53 vehicles of 11 classes. For some nominations, the awards were given by the professional jury consisting of “Za Rulem” Publishing House experts.
The Chief Editor of “Za Rulem” Magazine Maxim Kadakov: “We are now exactly talking about GAZelle NEXT family, which includes a drop-side vehicle, panel van, minibus, and other modifications. It is its wide range that makes GAZ brand a sole leader in LCV segment, with approximately 50% share in the total sales, beyond the reach of competitors.”
Director of Light Commercial Vehicles Division of GAZ Group Pavel Sereda: “Due to market entry of a new GAZelle NEXT family we did not just increase our market share, but also achieved an absolute growth of sales in spite of the economic recession. And after SOP of a new 13.5 cub. m panel van GAZ Group entered a totally new market segment, which had previously included import vehicles only. Even after the first nine months of sales the new model gained 15% of the market, first of all by means of forcing of its competitors out of the market.”
