Business news

MINSK, 7 September (BelTA) - The Belarusian automobile engineering company MAZ has won the Best Commercial Vehicle of the Year in Russia contest. The Euro-6 tractor unit MAZ 5440M9 was second to none in the nomination Prospect of the Year, BelTA learned from MAZ.

MAZ 5440M9 boasts a new exterior and a powerful engine – the 475 hp Mercedes-Benz OM471. The truck with an own weight of 8,250 kg can pull a road train weighing up to 44 tonnes. The product’s advantages are high performance and low fuel consumption. The tractor unit also meets the latest requirements for passive safety systems. It is strong and endurable and it can operate in severe climatic conditions, at temperature ranging from -45°C to 45°C.

Euro-6 trucks were developed for the EU market while also bearing in mind Russian carriers that make shipments to European countries. While Russia has not yet defined the requirements for Euro-6 trucks, MAZ is already getting ready to mass produce them. Euro-6 tractor units undergo long-term tests. They have to run up for to 200,000 km so that numerous components can be checked. Engineers keep testing the reliability of different systems from engine operation to the lane departure warning system. The tests will be completed within the next few months. Then the company will be able to boost the production of European trucks.

MAZ is participating in the expo Comtrans 2017 taking place in Moscow from 4 to 9 September. It has gathered over 200 companies from 18 countries. The Belarusian manufacturer plans to showcase new products and conclude business contracts during the expo.

The annual contest The Best Commercial Vehicle of the Year in Russia was first held in 2001. It features the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and vans. The jury comprises journalists of automobile-oriented media that are not affiliated with truck manufacturers, distributors and dealers. The last time MAZ received such an award was in 2010, when the tractor unit MAZ 5440A9 won the competition in the nomination Truck of the Year.