During a recent Russian Retail Week session in Moscow, the Sobol NN project from the Gorky Automobile Plant was showcased in a van configuration as a pre-production sample. Historically, the Sobol had not undergone a generation change for a long period, standing as the lone model from the manufacturer to retain its original lineage. While an official launch date for the series has not been announced, observers expect continuity in the Sobol NN family once production begins to ramp up.
GAZ group officials stressed that the Sobol NN’s appearance within the GAZ lineup aligns with a growing demand from delivery providers and online commerce operators. The new compact, agile, yet roomy and comfortable delivery vehicle is designed to navigate crowded city streets and busy warehouses with ease, enabling efficient urban logistics while maintaining driver and cargo comfort. The announcement reflects a strategic shift to support last‑mile logistics and service fleets with a vehicle tailored to daily delivery rhythms.
In terms of size, the Sobol NN van presents a compact footprint relative to its GAZelle NN sibling. The overall length reaches 5120 mm and the height stands at 2430 mm, a combination that enhances maneuverability in heavy traffic and through narrow lanes. Fleet and urban delivery operators gain the ability to maneuver through dense urban cores and tight industrial zones without sacrificing cargo flexibility or passenger comfort. According to GAZ representatives, these dimensions also improve parking feasibility in residential courtyards, reducing disruption for surrounding traffic and ensuring smoother daily operations.
The initial Sobol NN variant on display is a three‑seat van offering a cargo volume of 7.8 cubic meters. The luggage compartment measures 2600 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1614 mm in height, delivering a practical balance between payload capacity and cabin usability. This layout supports last‑mile professionals who require easy loading and unloading, as well as a comfortable interior for drivers and crew during longer shifts.
Looking ahead, the Sobol NN family is expected to expand with configurations featuring one and two rows of seating, varying roof heights, and the potential introduction of minibuses. Details on all‑wheel‑drive propulsion remain undisclosed, though the current Sobol generation already offers an all‑wheel‑drive option. Industry watchers anticipate a broader lineup that will cater to diverse commercial needs, from compact urban deliveries to flexible passenger‑plus‑cargo roles.
In parallel with the Sobol NN, GAZ introduced two additional variants of the GAZelle NN during the same forum. One option is a food truck adaptation aimed at street‑side catering and mobile services, while the other is a refrigerated configuration designed for temperature‑controlled deliveries. These variants illustrate the brand’s intent to diversify its light commercial vehicle portfolio and respond to evolving market requirements for versatile, all‑purpose vehicles in the urban logistics ecosystem.
- It is worth noting that all the models and modifications discussed trace their roots to the GAZelle NN, which debuted at the Comtrans 2021 exhibition last year.
- A newer episode of the program, “Behind the Wheel”, can be viewed on RuTube.