MAZ to supply large batch of low-floor buses to Kazan
13.04.2007 18:29
Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark) will supply 50 second-generation low-floor urban buses MAZ-203 to Kazan (the Republic of Tatarstan, the Russian Federation). It is the first large contract for the supply of MAZ-203 buses, BelTA learnt from representatives of the MAZ public relations centre.
According to the source, the first ten buses were shipped to Kazan in early April. The buses are powered by Euro-3 Mercedes engines and automatic gear boxes ZF. Following a request of the city authorities the buses have been painted red. The entire batch will have been shipped to the customer by June 2007.
The first shipment of the buses to Kazan was accompanied by MAZ specialists, who aided the customer with commissioning the new passenger transport vehicles. Kazan specialists have been given a free refresher course in MAZ machines at the company premises in Minsk.
Before the MAZ buses hit Kazan roads, they had been showcased at three expos in this Russian region. Middle-class MAZ-256 bus was the first one on display. A special presentation of passenger vehicles was arranged for Tatarstan president Mintimer Shaimiev. MAZ-203 buses were praised during the presentation. February 2007 saw MAZ-206 presented.
BelTA has been told, the 9th Moscow international automobile expo Motor-Show 2005 was the first time low-floor urban bus MAZ-203 had been showcased. The bus won a special award of the jury — The Bus of the Expo.
MAZ-203 meets all European requirements for passenger transport (rules No. 85 and 107 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). Unlike the previous urban bus MAZ-103 the new model boasts a new design and technical novelties. The bus floor stays at 330 mm above the road throughout the passenger space. The bus uses a travelling bridge and a travelling front axle. The glass panes are glued to the body, with no cover strips on seams. The windscreen is a panoramic one.
The driver’s space has been renewed. Passengers have been granted a more convenient entrance through the front door, which is now as wide as the other ones. A large standing space is located near the middle door. The passenger saloon interior has been renewed. Handrails are now more comfortable. An air conditioner is optional.
Minsk Automobile Plant deployed a bus production facility (AMAZ) in 1992. The branch produces urban, suburban, intercity buses and tourist coaches. AMAZ offers eight bus models and over 50 derivatives, including special buses for special conditions. The company can fit its buses with air conditioners, steps for wheelchairs to suit customers’ demands.
