GAZelle celebrated 25th anniversary!

22 July 2019

The most valuable Russian car brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary – July 20, 1994 in our country began the era of "GAZelle"

A quarter of a century (car Assembly began on 20 July 1994, the premiere took place on August 26 MIMS-1994 – photos on the splash screen) a series of light commercial vehicles "GAZelle" was produced in quantities of more than 2 million, thus becoming one of the most popular models in its class in the world.

A prototype on-Board of the truck GAZ-3302 (not "the GAZelle") was held in 1992-1993 270 000 km, which is already considered quite good mileage (the from factory Museum GAS)

A good name (in signature writing is "GAZelle"), of authorship of Deputy chief designer of JSC "GAZ" W.N. Nosakova also contributed to the rapid popularity of the car, and in 2013 the brand was valued by Interbrand at ₽32.3 billion, which puts him among the most valuable on the Russian market. The name was given to it by the animal, but then in hindsight he even attributed the reduction of the GAS and the name of the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin. Now it has become a household name people all LCV without distinction, including foreign cars, too.
Conveyor life "GAZelle" has evolved incrementally, so debut in 1994, it produced 13.3 thousand (in terms of 10 thousand), for the first full year of production (1995) was produced 57.7 thousand machines and 100-thousand "GAZelle" released 6 June 1996.

Extended side version of the GAZ-330202 with a wheelbase of 4500 mm, significantly expanded the scope of the "GAZelle"

In 2003, the "GAZelle" has been restyled price of a quarter of a billion rubles. The car has received a modern lighting equipment, with a drop blackframe, new bumpers and a new frame (diluted with 200 mm front side members, allowing to maximize the range of engines), a new instrument panel, ventilation and soundproofing.

Restyled GAZelle GAZ-2705 (sample 2003) has become the most popular tsmf in Russia and the CIS. 

For the first 10 years production (20 July 2004) there were about 800 thousand "Gazelles", and the 1-millionth machine this series left the Assembly line on August 4, 2005.

In February 2010 the series went to the third made model "GAZelle-BUSINESS" with a few hundred changes, including a number of imported components, which has improved consumer properties of the machine, and also increased its durability and economic efficiency 

9 APR 2013 began production of second-generation LCV Nizhny Novgorod – "GAZelle NEXT", which, incidentally, got a brand new cabin, later used in all commercial vehicles "GAZ Group" (medium "Lawns" and heavy bonnet "Ural").

"GAZelle NEXT" has given its latest cabin the whole "GAZ Group" (photo base on-Board version A21R23-10 sample 2013)

Currently, the "GAZelle NEXT" came in first place among all models of LCV in the Russian market and successfully exported, including to Europe. Moreover, its Assembly is carried out in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Turkey.

"GAZelle" both generations "BUSINESS" and "NEXT" firmly occupies almost half of the Russian market of LCV, in addition, the Park "Gazelles" in the country the largest among all LCVs. So, according to the "AUTOSTAT" info on 01.01.2019 Park series "GAZelle/GAZelle BUSINESS" made 1 million 257,3 thousand or 36,7% of the total LCV Parc, the Park models GAZ-3302 with modifications – 836 thousand, GAZ-2705 – of 219.1 thousand and GAZ-3221 – 202,2 thousand just made the Top 3 models of LCV in the country. The share of cars older than 10 years in the Park "Gazelles" is 892,9 thousand or 71%, a new 3-year-old "GAZelle BUSINESS" – only to 48.6 thousand or 3.9%. The share of "Gazelles NEXT" in the Park – 3.3% or 114,1 thousand, including 3-year – 68,6 thousand or 60.1% of their Park. The contrast with the old model as they say striking.
Interesting statistics on the distribution of the Park fresh (up to 5 years), "Gazelle" leading the GAS almost 45% of the owners "gazelles" – physical persons, and the largest fleet of legal entities are committed to the transport industry (18,5%), in second place is manufacturing with almost 18%, and the third industry with 13%. Characteristically, in agriculture working only 4.5% of the fresh of trucks.  

However, in the well studied quarter-century history of the "GAZelle" there are still a lot of questions that we will try to answer here:

1) Why such a powerful state as the Soviet Union to reach space and nuclear parity with the US superpower and failed to create much-needed in the national economy 1.5 ton commercial vehicle?
– A little background: the first mass of the lorry GAZ-AA/MM was produced in the USSR in the years 1932-1950 and was not economical light delivery vehicle truck, and simply universal car dual purpose with maximum total weight for the then mostly dirt roads and wooden bridges still horse-drawn era (the mass limit of the vehicle for such driving conditions were achieved during a rally in 1912 organized in the interests of the Military Department of the Russian Empire).

The lorry started to release renamed Nizhny Novgorod to Bitter (a plant CALLED, respectively, the GAS), so the first truck off the Assembly line on January 29, 1932, was called CALLED AA and was fitted with a wooden cab and steel, he received only two years  

The total circulation of the first Gorky lorry was about one million and most of the then fleet of the country and, respectively, of the red army.

Peak pre-war production of the GAZ-AA came in the 1937 (over 100 thousand)

In those years, the feature distribution of models was intended to be the pickup trucks GAZ-4 and GAZ-415, production of which was dozens of times less of a lorry.

In 1938 the lorry was modernized, giving it a more powerful 50-horsepower engine GAZ-M1 and a few improvements, at the same time changing the index of the GAZ-MM, under which she was standing on production until 1949 (on Ulsize – up to 1950 or even 1956)

During the great Patriotic war (since 1943 years) and after the lorry went into the simplified version of the GAZ MM-V (factory designation GAZ-MM-13) with a wooden cabin, one headlight and only a tailgate and... no front brakes, but that did not stop her to take the Red Army to Berlin in the victorious 1945

And yet, in heroic legend of the Patriotic war lorry came on the ice "Road of life" during the siege of Leningrad, being the only machine able to go or thin young ice or almost melted the ice Lagory (drivers kept the door open to catch the last moment to jump out leading into wormwood machines), saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of Leningrad blockade. Drowned dozens of trucks are still standing on the bottom of lake Ladoga, and a few on the pedestals of monuments in honor of the heroic drivers of the "Road of life" 

 After the great Patriotic war, the factories of the country went on the road solely growth capacity. So, the Gorky automobile plant increased the capacity of their trucks as follows: GAZ-51(1946)/-51A (1955)/ GAS-52Ф/-52-01/-52-04 (1959/1964/1975 year) – 2,5 t, GAS-53Ф (1961) – 3.0 t, GAS-53 (1964) – 3.5 t, GAZ-53A (1965) – 4.0 t, GAZ-53-12 (1983) – 4.5 t; GAZ-4301 (1986) – 5,0 t Not to say that the problem of the lorry during these years, not engaged, no – development successor to the first generation of lorry GAZ-AA/MM began in 1952.
It was supposed to be a 1.5-ton model GAZ-56 with a promising engine, M-21 with switchable blower motor (later used in GAZ-24 "Volga"), a gearbox with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears and limited slip limited slip differential, which should ensure that even with wheel formula 4x2 excellent permeability. New lorry has developed as an original cab, and suspension springs on rubber bushings instead of fingers springs and sealed drum brakes (!).

The second lorry GAZ-56 (early sample 1956) could become the face of Gas 40 years before the "GAZelle", but the command-administrative system is not allowed to place this interesting and advanced design machine

In 1956 was built the prototype of the first series, who is widely exposed to the public but... although the truck turned out quite well (not without childhood diseases, of course), but the original cabin did not build, and the engine recognized low-power and decided to use the uniform of the cabin preparing for the production of the GAZ-52 and GAZ-53.

Lorry GAZ-56 the second series of the 1960 sample with the cubicle type GAS-52/-53 is also tested-tested, but the conveyor and prevented

Lorry GAZ-56 second experimental series with a "single" cabin appeared in 1960 (when the need for lorry was felt already quite acutely), but to shovel into mass production did not – the plant is not pulled (or not pulled) from the development medium model GAZ-53 and light series GAS 56, which ended in 1962. the Lorry safely donated, dropping over the subsequent decades to the wind a few dozen million tons of gasoline due to the carriage of goods for the voracious srednetonnazhnye GAS and ZIL. The socialist economy of the USSR in words had to be economical, but actually if you ignore the personal interest in labor and egalitarianism made in many cases monstrous mismanagement to which fully applies and stagnation with development and implementation of the lorry, despite taken at the top resolution on the establishment of such a desired vehicle and incorporate it into perspective the type of Soviet cars. In fact, there is a classic triangle Krylov "Swan, pike and crawfish", and who remained in place for decades.

Experienced lorry UAZ-302 (was still odnotonno UAZ-300) of 1949, series production never reached

Delivery truck, therefore tried to create and Ulyanovsk automobile plant in 1949-50. – experienced lorry UAZ-302, unified with the 1-thin UAZ-300 (AU – GAZ "Sobol"), and in the early 1960s – an enhanced version of the "tadpole" UAZ-461Д carrying capacity of 1.2 tons, but due to the high cost yourself even sketches it does not matter – this production version "tadpole" appeared only 30 years later under the index UAZ-33036, by the way, in parallel with the "GAZelle".

The shortage of delivery trucks have been compensated by imports from COMECON, for example, tsmf polutoratonny Czechoslovak Avia A15 were equipped with advanced diesel engine, while in the Soviet Union since the end of the 1970s, massively exported to more lifting model A21.1 

As a result, since the late 1970s scarce malotonnazhnye began to buy imports, of course, in the socialist countries – from Poland (Poland) there was a 1-ton vans and pickups and vans Nysa Žuk units of the car Warszava (Soviet license of GAZ-M20 "Pobeda"), of Czechoslovakia (Czechoslovakia) – 1.5 ton (up to 2 ton) diesel vans Avia A20/A21 (French Saviem license) and from the GDR (East Germany) – original 2.2 ton utility mini truck Multicar-25.

The development of delivery vans worked together on the Soviet US and the Polish FSC Lublin (pictured prototype Lublin A30 sample 1975-1977). After the collapse of the USSR the project has completely passed to Poland. Interestingly, in the early 1990s there have been attempts to assemble vans in Lublin FC BelAZ... 

At this time the Soviet government (in the person of the Politburo, of course) is concerned with the efficiency of the minibus, after all, saved millions of tons of oil products could be exported for hard currency and adopted the "fateful" decision on the substitution of a lorry. Development involved dozens of organizations in collaboration with the Polish company FSС Lublin, as a result, the poles and their LCV series FC Lublin yet, in 1993 launched the series (and released with numerous upgrades until 2016), but the multimillion Soviet development left where most of the Soviet technological heritage – the history.

Kias-3305 was designed in the US 

 Production of lorry tsmf under the brand KIIS-3727 (developed in US, by the way, the flatbed truck was designated as US-3305) tried to start Kirovabad in Azerbaijan under the auspices of the Heydar Aliyev personally 
With the collapse of the Soviet Union the project is spread in the Russian Bryansk (on a wheeled tractor plant of rakotoson BASES), but as they say – seven nurses the child without an eye. 

The tsmf Kias-3727've already got sliding side door

Delivery vans BAZ-3778 with a monocoque body with the full weight of 3.5 tons could carry only 1.1 tonnes of cargo and because of the "plinth" level of quality at a huge price (in 1994 he asked for $10 000) no demand not found   

In the end the mountain gave birth to a mouse – a few dozen copies made for the bypass technology (i.e. on the knee) vans with peretyagina monocoque chassis BAZ-3778.   

2) Why the success with the lorry came to Gorky automobile plant?
– Who are quite moved by the efforts of the Gorky automobile plant, whose leadership in the midst of Gorbachev's Perestroika in the late 1980s correctly assessed the prospects of development of the country's cooperative movement and in the further transition to a market economy, supporting an initiative to develop commercial polutoratonny car, though, he was given the task of the Central office in the face of Minavtoselhozmash of the USSR and was not charged.

Full-scale layout of GAZ-3302

The design was carried out advanced techniques using electronic design program KATIA, which allowed to shrink traditionally, the pre-computer era multi-year process of design and testing of up to three years.

An early prototype of GAZ-3302 – initially the windshield was not glued and the rubber gasket, respectively, and front of the cockpit was solved differently

In 1992 was finished the first three running pattern and design documentation of the Nizhny Novgorod lorry, incidentally, is not called then the "GAZelle", which began testing on public roads

At this time, the giant Gorky automobile plant, producing hundreds of thousands a year, ceased before our eyes, in the conditions of a wild market, in demand srednetonnazhnye, did all in his power for the speedy development of the on-Board model (it was the most cheap cost and simple technology) GAS-3302, although the development of tsmf model GAZ-2705 and minibus GAZ-3221 on the basis of its led rapidly.
  

The presentation is pre-production of the GAZelle family, took place in late August 1993 at the 1st Moscow international motor show at the exhibition centre

It should be noted that representatives of the media (including this writer) met then the appearance of these cars almost indifferently, as no one believed that the hulking giant of the Soviet planned economy, it is hard periportally in the post-Soviet market model, will be able to quickly ramp up in production of such an innovative car. The greater the sensation became Prime Minister on MIMS-1994 serial "GAZelle", though at first only side. 

The main developer of GAS-3302 was a leading designer of trucks Vladimir Leonidovich Chetverikov (at present – General Director of joint engineering centre of "GAZ Group"), the design of the machine developed by Stanislav Vitalievich Volkov and Vladimir Fusees. A good name – "GAZelle", invited Vladimir Nikitich Nosakov, at that time Deputy chief designer of JSC "GAZ". A huge contribution to the creation of "GAZelle" made chief designer of Gas Yury Vladimirovich Kudryavtsev.

The need of the domestic market in it was so high that even the obvious design flaws (especially the lack of cooling efficiency of the engine) had no effect on the growth of its popularity among domestic carriers – a lot of people have started their own business on "gazelles," which in time became the embodiment of serious market reforms in the country. The lack of information on the impact of such unfortunate events such as low durability of the tyres (discrepancies in the instructions of the manufacturer and the manufacturer of the tire at the operating pressure has cost many early owners of the "gazelles" significant costs), in addition, accustomed to the overload of Soviet srednetonnazhnye drivers often excessively overloaded and lorry because of its spacious enough body, then complaining to the breakage of the rear axle and suspension. In fact, the country has mastered market relations "GAZelle" and by "GAZelle"!

December 15, 1995, pipeline Gas started to go all-metal wagon GAZ-2705 with sliding side door and 3-seater cabin and its cargo-and-passenger 7-seater version of the Kombi

Version "Kombi" immediately became incredible demand cars of this type, but still available to anyone interested prior to this in our country simply was not (with the exception of just started to receive imported second hand, which is "GAZelle" by the way, "he importozameschenie" in a few months). Thanks to the "gazelles" has flourished and small and medium businesses (and large is not ignored).

A rebirth and boom, "taxi" in our country rightly associate it with a specialized 13-bed model GAZ-322132 

But the real boom occurred in the segment of minibuses (8 seater model GAZ-3221 started to do on the basis of tsmf, 16 January 1996, since may 15, it included a 13-seater modification GAZ-32213 for corporate purposes, and in August its version of GAZ-322132 for taxis. Here it is, and has become the most popular in the segment of Shuttle bus service, literally for years displacing the segment of minibuses and ambulances to the Latvian RAF-22038 (its production was stopped in early 1997), which allowed to refuse Latvia's trade preferences for Russophobic policies of its government (by the way, 85% of the components in the Rafiki was Gazovskih as 90% worked in the "factory" in Jelgava was Russian). By the early 2000s, the "GAZelle" virtually monopolized the market of fixed-route transportation, but in the success of the wing and the catch...

  
3) Why GAZelle is so similar to the Ford Transit third series?
A rhetorical question – Ford Transit was in those years exemplary LCV and the similarity of the exterior is quite explainable – on the Gas just designing a commercial machine korotkoactute layout and how coincidences and discrepancies in the design of the two models enough, by the way, Ford Motor company has not stated any claims to Gaza, so the "similarity" Transit and "GAZelle" can be considered "unintended coincidence". In any case, at present, more than 200 special versions of "GAZelle" makes the plant itself, and more than 300 third-party manufacturers produce, so the popularity of "GAZelle" could compete with Transit.

Ford Transit LWB Hight Roof in 1986

  
4) Why the GAS is able to fully exploit the market potential of the first domestic LCV?
– Despite the fact that in the early 1990s, the media accused the GAS all mortal sins, in fact, the company had a very solid design and production capacity, which in the context of reducing the dictates of the parent organizations was able to give freedom to the hands of their own creative powers and as a result transform in the shortest time concept with a clean slate in the sought after market product. However, it is the "GAZelle" became the most successful project of the Nizhny Novgorod market giant in the 1990s, which to the rank of full-fledged market, the company was still far enough until she passed in 2000 at the hands of the holding company "Severstal" under the direction of Oleg Deripaska.

GAZelle proved to be suitable for creation on its base of ambulance

Market development of "gazelles" is similar to what was at the time the model T Ford – the car sold itself simply by the fact of its existence – the more people saw her, the more people want to buy. Thus, Henry Ford was transplanted to America on wheels, and the GAS, in turn, helped to form the logistics component of the Russian small and medium businesses and helped to create a lot of special versions for a variety of applications, including medicine and education.
  
5) Why such a relatively crude and almost around technology, the car turned automotive market in Russia and the CIS?
Well, actually, the above already said enough – an unprecedented business model of the truck, consuming significantly less than the usual medium-duty gas and ZIL, compact enough even for the then Metropolitan traffic with the right of the "Volga" spare parts (engine) in addition, genuine parts (5-speed transmission, plastic bumper, axles, wheels and tyres) in the conditions of market economy were not in short supply as their production except primary production and has mastered many production cooperatives and firms.

15 million car gas was the latest at the time "the GAZelle the Farmer"

Further, a sufficiently rapid development of the plant the entire list of modifications of the family "GAZelle", including a tsmf and major versions on its basis – Kombi, minibus and sanitary models allowed to oppose even the used cars, not to mention the expensive new LCV quite competitive machine, the most affordable, even with not the highest build quality. I remember the final conclusion about the "GAZelle" in one of the tests of the magazine "Behind the wheel": the machine falls apart after a year and a half, but manages in that time to recoup itself. As they say, die, Denis, better not write! And then followed by a memorable default of August 1998 with a sharp 3-fold devaluation of the ruble, instantly made a series of "GAZelle" and its successor, the cropped series "Sable" (production of the tsmf and a van – from November 1998 and April 1999 – minivans "Barguzin") out of competition with any cars, LCV, and for quite a long time.

In mid-1995 there were "GAZel Fermer" GAZ-33023 with dual 6-seat 2-door cab (front was a single passenger seat for access to the rear row) 

On the basis of "GAZelle" in addition to medical issued police, fire and armored variants for collectors, a variety of machines for municipal services and various commercial versions. And only since the mid-2000s, under pressure, above all, of public opinion, excited frequent (simply because of the mass Park "Gazelles") the accidents with the shuttles this model is often operated with flagrant violations (and here, by the way, the manufacturer?), as well as the actual revaluation of the ruble, allowing more reliable cars to begin to push the Russian bestseller.
It should be noted that a bestseller "GAZelle" was not only at home but also in Neighboring countries, not excluding "gone in civilized Europe" the Baltic States. Thus, the Assembly of the "GAZelle" started to implement in the Crimea, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and Transcaucasia. Exports "GAZelle" was quite successful in the countries of Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. So, for South Africa even created right-hand drive version has 18 seats and dvoinoi the door on the left side.
  
6) Why is the issue of tsmf began later than the side of trucks?
– A strategic decision to begin production of the family "GAZelle" with a drop-side truck (GAZ-33021), not the full-metal vans (GAZ-2705) was quite justified – flatbed truck was technologically easier to master and cost much cheaper than a van, its side body more versatile and to a certain extent more practical (besides, it is often equipped with canvas top), and need could to equip chassis-cab truck box in any discipline from commercial (GAZ-33022) to the reefer.

Utility van "GAZelle Combi" at the time, just blew up the market 

All-metal van "GAZelle" with the success of the on-Board model has also been destined for success already in advance, directly pushed the same cars, reducing their sales to almost zero. Launched in time to market (18 August 1995) version of "GAZelle-farmer" dual 6-bed cabin (GAZ-33023) has also become a novelty for post-Soviet market and added lots of popularity, rather than rural, and in urban structures.

The presence of practical sliding side doors and hinged rear tsmf called "GAZelle" with their classmates-foreign cars

Vans are only "paleotectonic" model RAF-22038, and domestic "loaf" UAZ-2206, was in a huge deficit, so even before the launch of the production model GAZ-3221 company "Cubanate", semar and others, immediately started to create their own models of passenger vans and cargo-and-passenger version with double cabin.

7) Why since 2000 on minibuses "the GAZelle" has started a real hunt?
– As mentioned above, the hunt for the "marshrutochnom" version of the GAZ-322132 began in 2000, when the then Minister of transport has called for a ban their operation. However, the producer soon achieved the appropriate rebuttal pointing out that the manufacturer can not be responsible for ad-hoc alterations when a person was converted in the usual minibuses vans and Combi, absolutely not respecting factory standards and allowing time and a half overload of the bus (so in rush hour the bus was Packed to 20 people, including standing passengers, whose security was, in beyond good and evil).

In the Russian province Park shuttles still consists mainly of "Gazelles"

In the future, in response to criticism that the manufacturer has made a number of improvements (already on the restyled vehicles since 2003), including the strengthening of the fixing seat, the introduction of waist belts, special "marshrutochnom" color, replacing large sliding doors for narrow swivel or on the door electrically, and the introduction of ABS. However, in some regions (primarily in Moscow) in the 2010s cars is much pressed, and then drove the minibus "GAZelle".
By the way, the war against marshrutochnom "Gazelles" do not prekraschaetsya still...
  
8) Why is the AWD "GAZelle" failed to oust the Oise "tadpoles" and "loaf"?
– AWD "GAZelle" with a constant drive for both axle and u-joints with Hooke in the front wheels and rear wheels with double busbars, which appeared June 29, 1995, turned out to be a niche product as more utilitarian and all-terrain UAZ, unified with the SUV of the same brand, continued to be unbeatable in terms of price and terrain.

Four-wheel drive truck GAZ-33027 early episodes, 1995-2002 became especially popular due to a number of specific design features

The situation has changed somewhat with the development after 2011 in the "BUSINESS GAZelle" connected drive with constant velocity joints and electrical interlocking rear differential Eaton, which significantly increased the permeability of the machine, but still retained a price advantage UAZ (which, incidentally, also got a lock Eaton).

But picking the "GAZelle" with electrical interlocking differential Eaton allowed the usual rear-wheel drive (4x2) car to move confidently, even on the ice (wet Belgian pavement vystupaet its analogue)

...even on the road

And still wheel drive with constant velocity joints breathed in full-subfamily "GAZelle 4x4" new life (photo autobench production Ryazan TSTTM on chassis GAZ-33027 sample 2003) 

Four-wheel drive came in handy for the school bus GAZ-322173 (about the car show not only labels on the body, but also two-step folding ladder) 

     9) Why "GAZelle" never received a full domestic diesel?
– Issue epic in scope (requiring a separate article – ed.) – under the hood "gazelles" have visited more than a dozen different diesels more than half a dozen brands, including Andoria, Cummins, IVECO, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Steyr, VM, ZMZ and domestic "514" series. None of the diesels were not included in the "Golden section" of price, technological complexity and durability – or cheaper diesel was bad, or the powerful and quality motor – far too expensive. Domestic Zavolzhsky motor plant with the efforts of the government of liberal reformers in the 1990s was separated from Gas and is included in the holding "SOLLERS", i.e. strapped in Uazu, ostensibly for the elimination of "monopoly". As a result, to develop a diesel engine in reasonable quantities and at a reasonable price did not work (car also is forced to do without the diesel engine).

Diesel appeared in a series of "BUSINESS GAZelle" in the summer 2011 

In 2011, the restyled "BUSINESS Gazelle" had enough tech American turbo diesel Cummins ISF 2.8L, and China. However, after the devaluation of the ruble in early 2015, the diesel version of the old "GAZelle-BUSINESS" began to take positions, aided and pricing of Gas on the diesel version of the premium were set so high that made the payback of the machine is extremely problematic (at 300 th run).

Under the hood of "BUSINESS GAZelle" has taken root only turbo Cummins ISF2.8L Chinese production

  
10) Why is the issue of factory LPG "Gazelles" began only in the 2010s?
The first bi-fuel version of the GAZ-33025 was created in a series of "GAZelle" in the early 1990s, but then the peculiarities of the national legislation made the gas release versions directly on the factory Assembly line is not legally possible.

An early version of a dual fuel GAS-33025 on the conveyor did not hit, but many were created by small firms –  such was then the law 

Thus hardly probable not the most part used for the transportation of works of GAZ-3302 private traders is equipped with LPG cylinders (propane-butane), transforming them in fact, GAZ-33025.

In a series of "BUSINESS GAZelle" LPG version of GAZ-33025 LP gas (propane-butane) is present initially

The share of LPG version of "GAZelle BUSINESS" in production now reaches 30%

The situation changed exactly the opposite in the early 2010's, when a series of "GAZel-BUSINESS" appeared already in the factory version of GAZ-33025 (liquefied propane-butane) and GAS-33026 (compressed methane).

Gas equipment (HBO) now equip all types of bodies of "GAZelle BUSINESS", including minivans

 Given the special attention of the government to subject gas, it can be expected that the last "Gazelle-BUSINESS" will be the gas version.

Gas cylinders in vans and tsmf hung under the body 

  
11) Why is the issue of "GAZelle-BUSINESS" is still going on in parallel with "GAZelle NEXT"?
Following the development in 2010, a restyled series of "GAZel-BUSINESS" of the previous generation continued to produce under the name "GAZelle-classic", however, the market quickly made a new series with better quality and durable components, extending the life of the machine, so that the release of "Classics" was relatively quickly phased out.

"GAZelle Classic" model 2010 for some time been produced in parallel with "GAZelle BUSINESS" (photo version of the GAZ-2705 "Road master")

After 2013, when the production of a new generation "GAZelle NEXT", the budget of the series was just a series of "GAZel-BUSINESS", which according to the registrations still enjoys quite high (including as a result of the devaluation of the ruble in 2015), although gradually declining demand, so the Gas until there is no marketing reason to remove from the production of "a chicken lays eggs."

Welding booths "Gazelles" carried on a robotic line, which ensures high quality of work

In the Assembly of the Gas introduced "tojtovska" quality system Kaizen

 

"GAZelle BUSINESS" is still the second most popular model LCV in Russia (6.3 thousand), after "GAZelle NEXT" (to 9.4 million), respectively    

  
12) How unified the family "GAZel" and "Sobol"?
Appeared in November 1998, the family of light 1-ton utility vehicles "Sobol" is unified with "GAZelle" by 71%. He has the original chassis (even the frame) with independent front suspension and rear axle with single busbars.

Sensation of of Gas exposure on MIMS-1996 was the bus  Sobol is a cropped "GAZel" with "Tchaikovsky" front independent suspension 

Corporate greeting card for the year 2000 already includes van GAZ-2217 "Sable Barguzin" with a low roof, in the background of tsmf GAZ-2752

Although flatbed truck GAZ-2310 was scheduled in the series "Sable" originally, but actually to restyling remained small-scale

Restyling 2003, which coincided with the introduction of restrictions on entry to the center of Moscow made it possible to turn the onboard "Sable" GAZ-2310 to its full width (photo model  "Sobol BUSINESS" model 2010 

The latest today is a modification of "Gazelle" and "Sable" is a four-wheel drive GAS-231073 "Sable-Farmer" with a double shower and constant velocity joints in front wheel drive

 the Exotic series "the GAZelle" and "Sobol":

One of the earliest exotic version of the "GAZelle" became in 1999 a pickup truck with double cabin under his own name "Tandem"

In 2005 was shown an outdoor version of the minibus "GAZelle" for transportation of delegations on the production site 

In 2009, "GAZel" turned into an electric car

Five of these electric vehicles with power reserve of up to 60 km were operated on the territory of VVC (VDNKH now again)

"GAZelle" seriously stormed even the roads (photo version for rally-RAID) 

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