Truck Compass. Photo KAMAZ
Good news about the Russian auto industry
The Russian auto industry turned out to be the main outsider of the Russian economy. It is this industry that has suffered the most due to Western sanctions. But recent days have brought a lot of interesting news that give some optimism for the future…
KamAZ is preparing to enter the market of the main competitor of the legendary GAZelle truck. The release is scheduled for May this year.
Compass, this is how the new model of the former joint venture between KamAZ and the German Daimler will be called. True, it is worth recognizing that it is not the original development of the automobile plant from Naberezhnye Chelny, but a licensed copy of the Chinese JAC truck, with some changes to the front of the cab. These machines will be assembled from imported components, or in other words, painfully familiar SKD assembly.
“Compass” will be produced in two versions, with a gross weight of 9.5 tons and 12 tons. A little later, the lineup will be replenished with a “junior” version with a gross weight of 3.5 tons, which can be driven with category “B” rights. That is why this model can rightfully be considered a direct competitor to the familiar Gazelle for us.
There is no exact image of the future novelty yet, but it can be assumed that it will differ little from its older comrades. But it is known that it will be equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel developing 122 hp. with., and a five-speed manual. The power unit, apparently, will also be of Chinese origin. The price is expected to be 4.2 million rubles.
In any case, this should compete with the products of the Gorky Automobile Plant. Russian business will have a choice. In any case, this is positive news for the Russian car market…