UAZ is preparing to release several new models, including a seven-seater SUV. The plant will also produce new parts to improve vehicle safety. But popular models such as "Hunters", "Bukhankas" and "Patriots" will not disappear. They will undergo a major update. This was announced by Alexey Spirin, General Director of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant.
Currently, the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant is undergoing perhaps the most significant transformations in its entire history. We are actively working to transform the production site into a modern industrial park specializing in the production of frame-type vehicles and auto components, with new production facilities and technologies.
The number of new production facilities that have already been built or will be launched in the near future will significantly change the appearance of the territory. Including through the implementation of new projects aimed at launching the Sollers product line.
Several significant events have occurred in Ulyanovsk over the past two years. In particular, a new production building of Sollers Cargo was launched, where the production of Sollers Argo light commercial trucks began. Medium-duty Sollers TR trucks were also put into production.
In close connection with the production of UAZ, a project was implemented to assemble Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickups using a full-cycle technology. By the end of the year, another model, the Sollers ST9, will be launched on the assembly line.
It is important to note that we are not following the path of large-node assembly, which is often called re-gluing the nameplate. We are modernizing the production base and organizing localized production - from welding and painting bodies to installing diesel engines manufactured at the Sollers plant in Yelabuga and gearboxes manufactured at the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
All innovations completely transform the production culture of UAZ cars. Along with the change in cars, the attitude of the people who create them also changes.
In the future - further development of localization in the field of stamping. This will require modernization of press equipment and development of new stamping tools.
In addition, this year it is planned to start production of passive safety systems, electronic components and other key elements of the car. Some of these components will be manufactured directly on the territory of UAZ.
Another important area is import substitution. And not only through the use of components from local manufacturers, but also through the creation of our own production of key parts and mechanisms within the company.
All vehicles that are currently rolling off the assembly line of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant and will be produced in the future have a common basis - these are frame cars. In addition, with the exception of some models of light and medium trucks, they are also all-wheel drive.
In the process of developing new projects, the company primarily uses technical solutions that have been successfully implemented in various models of the Sollers and UAZ brands.
In particular, this applies to the diesel engine, which works in tandem with a six-speed gearbox. These components are manufactured at the Sollers Group's enterprises in Yelabuga and Zavolzhye.
This power unit is installed on Sollers Argo trucks, as well as on Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickups.
The updated UAZ models will use the same complex, consisting of an engine and transmission. First, the UAZ "Profi" commercial vehicle will receive it, and then the UAZ "Patriot". They are planned to be released on the market in the second and fourth quarters of this year.
Come visit us in the middle of this year - you won't recognize UAZ. The number of new production facilities that have already been created or will be launched on the territory in the very near future will significantly transform the site. Including through the implementation of new projects related to the launch of the Sollers line.
The expansion and appearance of new models does not interfere with the production of existing ones, emphasized Spirin. UAZ will continue to produce cars of the "UAZ SGR" family ("Bukhanka") as long as there is demand for them.
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