View source for GAZelle

{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Short description|Russian motor vehicle}}
{{about|the automobile line||Gazelle (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = GAZelle
| image = Gaz-322132 TAXI.jpg
| caption = GAZelle with the restyled front end introduced in 2003
| manufacturer = [[GAZ|GAZ (Gorky Automobile Plant)]]
| production = 1994–present
| assembly = {{unbulleted list
  | Russia: [[Nizhny Novgorod]]
  | Lithuania: [[Rokiškis]] (UAB "Automašinų verslo centras": 2000&ndash;2008)
  | Ukraine: [[Simferopol]], [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] (KrimAvtoGAZ: 1995&ndash;2006)
  | Turkey: [[Söğütlü]] (Mersa Otomotiv: 2012&ndash;present)
  | Azerbaijan: [[Haciqabul]] (Azermash: 2021&ndash;present)
  }}
| predecessor = [[RAF-2203]]
| successor = [[GAZ Gazelle NEXT|Gazelle NEXT]]
| class = [[Light commercial vehicle]] ([[M-segment|M]])
| body_style = 2-door dropside truck<br />2/4-door [[pickup truck]]<br />4-door [[panel van]]<br />4-door [[minibus]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | '''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
  | 2286&nbsp;cc ''ZMZ-406'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 2429&nbsp;cc ''[[Chrysler 1.8, 2.0 & 2.4 engine#EDZ|Chrysler EDZ]]'' I4
  | 2445&nbsp;cc ''ZMZ-402'' I4
  | 2460&nbsp;cc ''ZMZ-405'' I4
  | 2890&nbsp;cc ''UMZ-4216'' I4
  | '''[[Liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]]:'''
  | 2890&nbsp;cc ''UMZ-42164'' I4
  | '''[[Diesel engine|diesel]]:'''
  | 2134&nbsp;cc ''GAZ-5602'' I4
  | 2781&nbsp;cc ''[[Cummins]] ISF'' [[Turbo-diesel|turbo]] I4
  }}
| transmission = 5-speed manual
| platform = 
| sp = 
| related = [[GAZ-31029]]
}}

The '''GAZelle''' ({{langx|ru|ГАЗе́ль}}) is a series of [[light commercial vehicle]]—[[pickup truck]]s, [[van]]s and [[minibus]]es—made by [[Russia]]n car manufacturer [[GAZ]]. At the time of the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]] and transition to a market economy, the Russian automobile industry had not produced a much-demanded LCV similar to the [[Ford Transit#Second generation (1986)|Ford Transit]] or [[Volkswagen Transporter (T4)|VW T4]] class. The GAZelle shares many parts with the company's passenger cars (especially [[GAZ-31029]]); in fact, models produced until 1998 had the same grille, and the engines for the Volga were still used in the GAZelle until 2010. [[Riga Autobus Factory]], which formerly manufactured [[RAF-2203|minibuses]] for the whole USSR, remained in [[Latvia]], and now required its vehicles be sold to the now-foreign Russian market for hard currency. Responding to this market opportunity, GAZ swiftly developed its own LCV called GAZelle (the name is a pun on "[[gazelle]]"), which, taken together with its lighter version, [[GAZ Sobol|Sobol]], now account for the majority of the Russian van and light truck market<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.ru/biznes/357263-poehali-na-rynok-prodazhi-kommercheskogo-transporta-v-rossii-rastut|title=Поехали на рынок: продажи коммерческого транспорта в России растут {{!}} Бизнес|date=2018-02-15|website=Forbes.ru|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> and have strong positions in the markets of other [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] countries, ranking as GAZ's most popular and successful products.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tass.com/economy/752080|title=Russia launches production of GAZelle Next commercial vehicle in Turkey|website=TASS|language=ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref>

The GAZelle's design is superficially reminiscent of the 1986 [[Ford Transit#Second generation (1986)|Ford Transit]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20121019/ANE/121019899/russia-revival-contract-assembly-cargo-vans-fuel-gaz-rebirth| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210203095502/https://europe.autonews.com/article/20121019/ANE/121019899/russia-revival-contract-assembly-cargo-vans-fuel-gaz-rebirth | archive-date = 2021-02-03 | title = Russia revival: Contract assembly, cargo vans fuel GAZ rebirth| work = Automotive News Europe | first = Nick | last = Gibbs | date = 15 October 2012}}</ref><ref name=yubiley>{{cite web | url = https://irim3.com/comauto/news/gazel-spravila-25-letniy-yubiley/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230825023806/https://irim3.com/comauto/news/gazel-spravila-25-letniy-yubiley/ | archive-date = 2023-08-25 | title = GAZelle celebrated 25th anniversary! | work = Tretiy Rim | first = Alexander | last = Klimov | date = 2019-07-22 }}</ref> but the two cars have nothing in common.<ref name="GP">S. Iunes: [http://www.gruzovikpress.ru/article/3115-sravnenie-ford-tranzit-i-gazel-inomarka-pohojaya-na-gazel/ Иномарка, «похожая» на «Газель». Сравнение «Форд-Транзит» и «Газель»]. In: Грузовик Пресс, 06/2005 (russian)</ref><ref name="Thompson" /><ref name="Shugurov" /> It has remained very successful on the Russian market despite minimal upgrades.

==Design==
The development dates back to both Soviet designs of the 1980s, which were originally intended for production in a never commissioned vehicle plant in [[Kirovabad]] (Azerbaijan), as well as unofficial developments of the GAZ plant from the same period.<ref name="Thompson">Andy Thompson: ''Trucks of the Soviet Union.'' Behemoth, 2017, ISBN 978-0-9928769-5-1, p. 308.</ref> The project could only be pursued further by GAZ after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In August 1993 the GAZelle was presented at a motor show in Moscow, production started in July<ref name="Thompson" /> or at the end of 1994<ref name="Shugurov">L. M. Shugurov: ''Avtomobili Rossii''. ILBI, Moscow 1998, p. 167.</ref> in Nizhny Novgorod.<ref name="Thompson" /> The GAZelle uses only Russian-made engines, different manual transmissions were installed, there was no option for an automatic transmission. Also, the front seats have been changed in design, as well as the heating and ventilation system and the engine radiator, the dashboard was redesigned. The ground clearance of the Russian vehicles is higher, it was adapted to the road conditions in Russia.<ref name="GP" />

In 1999 GAZ started production of all-terrain 4x4 versions of GAZelle that utilized parts of the heavier-class vehicles. Now it features an optional rear differential lock offered at ~[[United States dollar|US$]]500 extra.

By 2005 one million GAZelles had been built. Apart from the CIS countries and Central and Eastern Europe, GAZelles are exported to Asian and African markets, including [[Morocco]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://northafricapost.com/24441-russian-gaz-launches-sales-of-its-commercial-vehicles-in-morocco.html|title=Russian GAZ Launches Sales of its Commercial Vehicles in Morocco|date=2018-07-06|website=The North Africa Post|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> and the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azgaz.ru/gaz-world/news/gaz-nachal-prodazhi-kommercheskoy-tekhniki-v-marokko/|title=ГАЗ начал продажи коммерческой техники в Марокко|website=azgaz.ru|language=ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azgaz.ru/gaz-world/news/prodazhi-mikroavtobusov-gazel-next-startovali-na-filippinakh/|title=Продажи микроавтобусов "ГАЗель NEXT" стартовали на Филиппинах|website=azgaz.ru|language=ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref>

In 2010&ndash;2011 the GAZelle family underwent a serious upgrade. The upgraded model was renamed [[:ru:Газель-Бизнес|GAZelle Business]]. The changes affected 20 main vehicle units and systems, including steering, brakes, gearbox, cooling system, transmission and interior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.gazgroup.ru/news/news/?id=3019|title=GAZ Group has started serial production of upgraded GAZelle-Business|publisher=GAZ Group|type=Press release|date=2010-02-25|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925020526/http://eng.gazgroup.ru/news/news/?id=3019|archivedate=2011-09-25}}</ref>

In 2013 GAZ started serial production of the new generation [[GAZelle NEXT]] light commercial vehicle that features box van, van, minibus and other versions of different sizes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/gorky-automobile-plant-to-showcase-its-products-at-the-international-motor-show-in-the-philippines/|title=Gorky Automobile plant to showcase its products at the International Motor Show in the Philippines |website=Automotive World|date=4 April 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-04-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190409193318/https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/gorky-automobile-plant-to-showcase-its-products-at-the-international-motor-show-in-the-philippines/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azgaz.ru/gaz-world/news/gaz-dlya-eksportnykh-rynkov/|title=ГАЗ представил в Европе новые модели для экспортных рынков|website=azgaz.ru|language=ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref>

===Generations===
{|class="wikitable" 
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Name
! style="width:52%;"| Date 
! style="width:20%;"| Photo
|-
| GAZelle || 1994{{spaced ndash}}start of production of the first generation. Initially only panel vans were manufactured. The headlights and grille are from the GAZ-31029, alongside the engines and transmission.

1996{{spaced ndash}}production of minibuses started.

1998{{spaced ndash}}production of a scaled-down version called the [[GAZ Sobol|Sobol]] started.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
|| [[File:Van in Asino, Russia.jpg|250px]]|
|-
| GAZelle || 2003{{spaced ndash}}production of the second generation started. The changes include new teardrop-shaped headlights instead of rectangular ones, new grille, which were very similair to the ones used in the [[GAZ-31105]], new front bumper, increased space under the hood, rear colorless lenses turning lights, combined with the reversing light lenses. A new dashboard and power steering, steel versions are available with all-wheel drive.

2004{{spaced ndash}}[[Anti-block system|ABS]] introduced.

2006{{spaced ndash}}side repeaters turning lights moved from the front wings to the side mirrors, which were painted body color.
|| [[File:Gaz-322132 TAXI.jpg|250px]] |
|-
| GAZelle-Business || 2010{{spaced ndash}}a large-scale modernization, 130 constructional changes including a new grill combined with the bumper. Inside, the new family of vehicles differs from their predecessors by way of a front panel, steering wheel, standard audio head unit from Blaupunkt, new cab heater control unit or the front of the cabin.

Engine UMZ{{spaced ndash}}4216 (fresh family car commercial - UMZ - 4216.10 ) got a new injection control program, whereby the maximum torque (220.5 Nm) is achieved at fairly low (for a gasoline engine) 2500 rpm. The family of "GAZelle Business" engine mountings were introduced [[Anvis Group]], radiator with aluminum core TRM, [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] electrical components and [[Brisk (spark plug)|Brisk]] [[spark plug]]s. The drive brakes used Bosch products (in particular, the brake master cylinder and the brake servo), the drive clutch components and ZF Sachs, power steering from ZF Lenksysteme was introduced along with defroster door mirrors as standard.

New modification of the car with 2010 was equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine ([[Cummins]] ISF American development).

2011{{spaced ndash}}In the factory catalog, the first appearance of a shuttle van with a high roof.

2013{{spaced ndash}}production of modifications with bi-fuel petrol-gas engine started. 
|| [[File:GAZelleBusiness.JPG|250px]] |
|-
| [[GAZ Gazelle NEXT|GAZelle Next]] || 2013{{spaced ndash}}production of a completely new LCV started, while the production of the 2010 version continued. 
|| [[File:GAZel-NEXT-gruz.jpg|250px]] |
|}

===Models===
* '''GAZ-3302''' dropside truck and chassis, rear-wheel drive, regular three-seat cab
* '''GAZ-33021''' dropside truck and chassis, improved, RWD
* '''GAZ-33023''' dropside truck and chassis, all-wheel drive
* '''GAZ-33027''' dropside truck and chassis, six-seat "King Cab" extended cab, RWD
* '''GAZ-330237''' dropside truck and chassis, extended cab, AWD
* '''GAZ-3221''' [[minibus]], 8 seats, RWD
* '''GAZ-32213''' minibus, 13 seats, RWD
* '''GAZ-322132''' minibus, 13 seats ([[marshrutka]], for shuttle services), RWD
* '''GAZ-2705''' [[panel van]], RWD
* '''GAZ-27051''' [[ambulance]], RWD
* '''GAZ-27052''' Combi [[panel van]], extended cab, RWD
* '''GAZ-27057''' Combi panel van, extended cab, AWD

==Variants==
The [[GAZ Sobol]] is a lighter duty version of the GAZelle, built on a shorter wheelbase. It was introduced in 1998.

The [[GAZ Valdai]] is a heavier duty version of the GAZelle, built on a longer wheelbase. It was introduced in 2003 and was discontinued in 2015.

The GAZelle cabin is also used for building tracked all-terrain carriers such as GAZ-3409 «Bobr» (Beaver).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gaz-34039.ru/gaz-3409-bobr.htm|title=ГАЗ 3409 Бобр {{!}} Купить вездеход ГАЗ-3409 Бобр Цена: по запросу|website=www.gaz-34039.ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref>

Before GAZ introduced its own GAZelle-based minibus, various smaller Russian factories launched rebuilding of panel van GAZelles into minibuses ("Pskova-2214", "STG-01") and different custom vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gruzovikpress.ru/article/9782-mikroavtobusy-i-mikrogruzoviki-zavoda-terminal-terminalnye-devyanostye/|title=Микроавтобусы и микрогрузовики завода "Терминал"|website=www.gruzovikpress.ru|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> A few Russian and Ukrainian factories still produce custom buses and ambulances based on GAZelles of "Business" and "NEXT" generations.

==Trim levels==
Before the 2010 upgrade, customers were not given the opportunity to select options. Currently the Gazelle-Business can be ordered with a rear differential lock, ABS braking system, "''de luxe''" instrument panel, and the "Package" option that includes fog lights, electroproof mirrors, front electric windows, dashboard "''de luxe''" (radio control buttons on the steering wheel and audio package) and central locking of the front doors.

The succeeding [[GAZelle NEXT]] generation of LCVs has its own schedule of basic trim levels and options.

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:Integrated Safety and Security Exhibition 2013 (502-4).jpg|GAZelle Next ambulance
File:GAZel 2705 school bus.jpg|GAZelle 2705 school bus
File:Gaz-Gazel-Taxi-322133-1.jpg|A white GAZ-322133 GAZelle taxi minibus
File:Скорая помощь ГАЗ.JPG|GAZelle ambulance in [[Kharkiv]]
File:Ambulance in Tomsk.jpg|GAZelle ambulance in [[Tomsk]]
File:GAZ GAZelle in Prague, 2012.JPG|GAZelle in [[Prague]]
File:Interpolitex 2013 (535-22).jpg|The shorter [[GAZ Sobol]] as a [[police van]]
File:GAZelleBusiness.JPG|[[:ru:Газель-Бизнес|GAZelle-Business]] (2010–present)
File:Газель пожарная машина-сзади.jpg|A firefighting GAZelle van in Saratov
File:Interpolitex 2011 (404-39).jpg|GAZ-27527 Sobol all-terrain camper
File:Interpolitex 2011 (404-40).jpg| Sobol'-based camper van 
File:Gazel Farmer dumper GAZ-330232.JPG|Pickup utility truck
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Fiat Ducato|FIAT Ducato]]
* [[Volkswagen Crafter|VW Crafter]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz Sprinter]]
* [[LDV Maxus]]
{{Commons category|GAZelle}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://en.azgaz.ru/modelny-ryad/?key=3441 GaZ's official GAZelle Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319074400/http://en.azgaz.ru/modelny-ryad/?key=3441 |date=2016-03-19 }} (English)
*[http://www.gazturkiye.com.tr/tr Official site of plant in Turkey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615051117/http://www.gazturkiye.com.tr/tr |date=2017-06-15 }}
*[http://www.gazelleclub.ru Club car owners Gazelle] (Russian)

{{GAZ timeline 1960-present}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gazelle}}
[[Category:Police vehicles]]
[[Category:Vans]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Minibuses]]
[[Category:GAZ Group vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars of Russia]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]