Belarusian brand MAZ unveiled a new generation of minibuses and vans aimed at the Russian market, with plans to roll out the models soon. The reveal occurred in Moscow at the official distributor MAZ-RUS LLC, where a broad audience was invited to preview the vehicles.
According to the company’s information portal, the demonstration was organized for representatives of the distribution network in the Russian Federation, business partners, manufacturers of special equipment, and other interested organizations and carriers.
The models MAZ-281040 and MAZ-365022 are built at the Brestmash plant in Brest, a MAZ subsidiary. Brestmash executives provided details about the new line, marking these as the Minsk Automobile Plant’s first light vehicles. In the Russian market, the closest peers appear to be the GAZelle Next and the new GAZelle NN.
MAZ lineup versus GAZelle competitors
- MAZ-281040 is a passenger minibus designed for urban and suburban routes of medium length. It is offered in two configurations, 9+1 and 15+1, to accommodate a wide range of carrier needs.
- MAZ-365022 is a light commercial vehicle with a payload of 760 to 1150 kg and an available loading area of 12 square meters. The interior luggage space measures 3.4 by 1.8 by 1.8 meters, with a gross vehicle weight of 3490 to 4050 kg. The platform can be expanded for various roles, from a cargo van to an ambulance.
MAZ highlights a robust service network across Russia, noting that the new minibuses and vans can be serviced at any of its existing stations. This emphasis aligns with plans to boost local support as it expands presence in the Russian market. (Source: MAZ press materials)
In the broader context of import substitution, MAZ aims to accelerate the launch of these vehicles in Russia, though specific dates were not disclosed by the press service. Industry observers expect continued competition as other players prepare to enter the same segment in the near term. It is worth noting that the Chinese manufacturer JAC is also preparing a competing GAZelle model for the Russian market. (Source: MAZ press materials)
Updates and further details about the project can be found through MAZ’s communications channels and distributed materials, which underline the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the region while leveraging existing service infrastructure. (Source: MAZ press materials)