GAZ Group, the leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia, and Gazelle Motors Corporation, a subsidiary of the Eastern Petroleum Group of Companies, has officially unveiled its brand name together with its vehicle lineup in the Philippine market, particularly the GAZelle Next minibus and the GAZelle Next Cityline Bus.
The partnership between Eastern Petroleum Group of Companies and Gaz Group of Russia was initiated during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to Moscow, Russia in May last year.
The agreement between GAZ Group and Eastern Petroleum was signed in September 2017. The companies agreed to supply the commercial vehicles to the country, as well as multi-functional, reliable and modern buses of the GAZelle Next family which fully meet the requirements of the Government’s Fleet Modernization Program.
The Government’s Fleet Modernization Program is a large-scale state program to replace old public vehicles. The key goal of the program is the full transport system modernization that should rely on reliable, safe and comfortable buses meeting the highest environmental standards.
GAZelle Next Minibuses can haul up to 17 passengers. The design of the minibus provides for the possibility of transporting standing passengers. It could be use as public utility vehicles, transport for disabled people, school buses, airport shuttles, and executive minibuses.
The GAZelle NEXT Citiline frame bus has a shorter overall length but a wider overall width of the body. Despite of its compact dimensions, these buses can carry up to 19 passengers. The buses are equipped with comfortable passenger seats and railings allowing passengers to comfortably and safely move around in the passenger compartment. GAZelle NEXT Citiline buses feature a large area of glazing.
The GAZelle Next family is a range of light commercial vehicles combining high functionality, modern and eco-friendly technical solutions. All vehicles is powered by the new Cummins diesel engine ISF 2.8-liter which are Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliance.
All vehicles will be displayed at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show in April.