Russian commercial vehicle manufacturer GAZ Group has developed new eco-friendly small buses – the compressed natural gas buses PAZ-32053-11-CNG and PAZ-32053-11-CNG. The beginning of buses serial production is scheduled for the end of 2014.
The PAZ-32053-11-CNG small bus is designed for suburban transport services. It is developed on the basis of the PAZ-32053, the conventional model of Pavlovo Bus Plant, which is the most popular model on Russian roads. The bus is equipped with the 130 hp Isuzu-4HV1 gas engine with the Isuzu-MYY5T 5-speed manual transmission. Five gas cylinders are located under the bottom of the body, carrying sufficient fuel for more than 350 kms.
The PAZ-320302-11-CNG small bus is designed for the city and suburban transport services, and it is popular in the corporate transportation segment. The bus is also equipped with the 130 hp Isuzu-4HV1 gas engine with the Isuzu-MYY5T 5-speed manual transmission. Ssix gas cylinders are located under the bottom of the body and provide a power reserve of the bus of over 350 km without refueling.
The retail prices for new PAZ CNG buses are comparable to the cost of the diesel equivalents. The quick payback of CNG buses is achieved by the low cost of fuel and reduction of the operating costs. The CNG fuel reduces the buses operating costs by 35-40% compared to petrol versions, that is 5 RUR (USD 0.14) per km.
New buses PAZ-32053-11-CNG and PAZ-320302-11-CNG extend the model range of environmentally friendly transport manufactured by GAZ Group. The company now produces six models of medium, large and extra-large buses, running on compressed natural gas. The Company claims position as the first of domestic manufacturers to develop and start production of CNG buses.
GAZ Group produces :
- CNG LiAZ buses, series-produced since 2005
- LiAZ-5292 low-floor buses, in production from 2011
- GAZelle BUSINESS gas vehicles (2013)
- PAZ-320412 medium bus (2013)
- KAVZ-4238 gas medium bus (2013)
The company is currently working on new model natural gas vehicles (NGV) and a new CNG engine.
(Source: GAZ Group)
