Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast interested in MAZ vehicles to modernize public transport fleet

During the visit, the governor examined the production capabilities, vehicle models and the possibility of deliveries of MAZ products to the Russian region. Kaliningrad Oblast’s delegation was shown samples of MAZ’s new passenger vehicles, including a gas-powered bus with a 280-hp (Euro-5) engine and a large-capacity trolleybus, accommodating up to 90 passengers, with autonomous operation.

The delegation studied modern utility vehicles, including the MAZ-GTe electric garbage truck. Its key features include high maneuverability, reduced turning radius, efficient axle load distribution, capacity for up to 10 tonnes of waste, universal container grips, an electric motor for quieter operation in residential areas and lower emissions, economic efficiency, with a 150 kW engine powered by 256 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, ensuring a 200 km range per charge. The garbage truck is also driver-friendly, featuring a forward-extended cabin with low entry access, a flat-floor interior, allowing operators to stand upright, a driver’s workstation and three additional operator seats, a modern control panel, including a color LCD display, a touchscreen climate control interface, pneumatic suspension system, and a 360-degree surround-view system, heated windshield, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, and enhanced comfort seats.

The delegation from Kaliningrad Oblast was also shown the new MAZ bus plant, which began operations this year. The project involves the production of innovative passenger vehicles on a unified third-generation MAZ platform, a new development for the Belarusian market. The implementation of this project will double the production capacity for passenger vehicles, support the development of a new range of buses powered by diesel, natural gas, and electric drive, and expand export potential.

Alexey Besprozvannykh shared his positive impressions of the visit to Minsk Automobile Plant. "This is a factory with a great history. The modern vehicle models presented today reflect the experience that the plant’s specialists have gained over the years. MAZ vehicles incorporate innovative approaches, which is very encouraging," he said.

Kaliningrad Oblast is preparing to launch a transport renewal and modernization program. "We have already updated the first batch of trolleybuses and will complete this work soon. Next year, we will focus on renewing urban transport. This is why the vehicle models we saw today are very interesting to us. We see two possible areas of cooperation: direct procurement of vehicles and joint production," the governor noted.

Kaliningrad Oblast plans to open a factory to produce batteries for electric vehicles. "We have agreed with our colleagues that these batteries can be used in vehicle production at the Belarusian MAZ plant, and thus we will have our joint product operating in Kaliningrad Oblast. We agreed to discuss prospects in detail and outline a joint action plan," Alexey Besprozvannykh stressed.

MAZ First Deputy Commercial Director Boris Mushchinsky noted that the company offers Kaliningrad Oblast a wide range of vehicles, including both cargo and passenger transport. "The delegation was interested in MAZ buses, electric buses, and trolleybuses with autonomous operation. Representatives of Kaliningrad Oblast also explored new MAZ special-purpose vehicles, including a mobile medical center and a mobile store. They were also interested in these products to develop the region and provide employment opportunities in rural areas," he concluded.