The Minsk Automobile Plant, whose history began in 1944, is known both in Russia and in many countries of the world as a manufacturer of trucks: tractors, medium-duty models and others. However, the brand has been in a very bad financial situation for the past few years. The Minsk Automobile Plant is a company that suffers the largest losses of all manufacturers operating today in Belarus.
MAZ management is not yet able to find a way out of the crisis situation. Despite the relative increase in sales of trucks in the CIS countries, the Belarusian company continues to lose customers. Even expanding the model range to include buses and specialized equipment does not help the car plant.
One way out of this situation may be a reorientation of activities. More precisely, entering the passenger car segment will help cope with financial difficulties. This decision may seem controversial. But, for example, KamAZ previously produced a small-sized Oka model, and recently took part in the development of a two-seater electric car Kama-1. That is, even in the history of the post-Soviet countries there are examples of truck and tractor manufacturers producing passenger cars.
Moreover, in order to cope with financial problems, MAZ should consider the option of launching the assembly of its own crossover. Its renderings have already appeared on the Internet. An independent designer showed what the first crossover MAZ-5440 2021-2022 in the history of the Belarusian automobile plant could look like. The car presented in the published images turned out to be modern. Externally, it is quite similar to some Lexus SUVs.
On the other hand, even if MAZ decides to launch production of such a crossover, the company needs to find a suitable platform and engines. In this case, the option of cooperation with JAC or Geely is possible. The first option is more likely, since MAZ cooperates with this company and produces minibuses together with it. In this case, the new Belarusian crossover may receive a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Design
It cannot be said that the new MAZ-5551 2021-2022 crossover is made in a unique style. The Belarusian model has many similarities with the products of Toyota and a number of other brands. On the other hand, many modern crossovers look similar to each other.
The body of the presented new product has a coupe-like outline due to the heavily loaded A-pillars and a smoothly descending roof line, which turns into a voluminous rear. The front part of the MAZ crossover is strongly elongated, which, in combination with the curved hood, gives the car a more sporty appearance.
Despite the pronounced similarity with Japanese models, the presented new product is distinguished by a number of unique details. First of all, this concerns the cutout located under the edge of the hood. It hides a compact radiator grille that rests on elongated head optics with LED strips. The headlights have a triangle shape due to their smoothly tapering edges.
The second remarkable detail is that in front of the presented crossover there is a protrusion that forms the original “nose” of the car. Here the developer placed a rectangular air intake with a wide plastic edging and large horizontal slats. It is mounted on a huge front bumper, which bends several times at an acute angle, which also emphasizes the sporty appearance of the Belarusian model. There are 2 cutouts at the bottom for ventilation holes. The front part of the body is completed by a metal strip laid along the edge of the front bumper.
The third interesting detail is the wide wheel arches, which are protected by an additional plastic body kit. Window lines, covered with a metal cover, are connected to each other at an acute angle.
The most pronounced similarity with Japanese crossovers can be seen in the rear of the body. The Belarusian model is equipped with a developed wing with an additional brake light, which hangs over the wide glazing. There are plastic covers on the sides that protect the window from stones. Following the example of some Lexus models, the presented new product has a trunk door under the glass that protrudes slightly back, thus forming a kind of spoiler.
The rear optics of the MAZ-5440 2021-2022 crossover are made in the form of a triangle with diverging “rays” that extend onto the side of the body. Inside the stern lights there are 2 wide strips of LED lights. The developer also placed a massive bumper at the rear. But in addition to additional brake lights, it features a diffuser with a metal finish, flanked by 2 large exhaust pipes.
The latest tractors from MAZ: Belarusians are already buying, Russians are still looking
This week the Minsk Automobile Plant presented its latest developments - the MAZ-5440M7 and MAZ-54A02K truck tractors. The presentation took place in the Belarusian capital as part of the TekhInnoProm-2019 exhibition. Car manufacturers emphasize that the new products are iconic. What is so special about these cars?
The MAZ-5440M7 long-haul tractor is another representative of the fifth generation of Minsk trucks. Its main, but not the only difference from the flagship MAZ-5440M9 is the engine of smaller displacement and, therefore, less power.
In general, fifth-generation MAZ long-haul tractors will be equipped with the latest in-line sixes from Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) of Euro-6 environmental standard: either 10.7-liter OM470 with a power of 360, 394 and 428 hp. (the corresponding models received the indexes M5, M6 and M7), or 12.8-liter OM471 with a power of 448 and 475 hp. (M8 and M9, respectively).
MAZ-5440M9 in Sardinia blue at the Energy Expo 2022 exhibition in Minsk
Thus, the Minsk Automobile Plant was the first to launch tractors in the series with the most powerful (available to the plant today) versions of two top Mercedes-Benz engines: MAZ-5440M9 with a 475-horsepower OM471 engine (maximum torque - 2300 Nm) and MAZ-5440M9. 5440M7 with 428 hp OM470 (2100 Nm).
Structurally, these engines are similar: they have two overhead camshafts in a head common to all cylinders; timing drive by gears on the flywheel side; four valves per cylinder; “wet” sleeves; durable steel pistons with polymer-coated skirts; asymmetrical turbocharger; high-performance and dynamic engine retarder with a maximum power of 400 kW.
Both engines are equipped with an X-pulse high-pressure fuel rail system with pressures up to 2100 bar and multiple injection; high pressure EGR exhaust gas recirculation system with adjustable recirculation rate; SCR system; AdBlue reagent injection system; muffler with catalytic converter; regenerable particulate filter.
The MAZ-5440M7 received its own automatic 12-speed transmission of the Mercedes-Benz model G230-12 New MT, which can operate in fully automatic mode or be controlled manually by the driver using a switch on the steering wheel. To reduce fuel consumption, the box is available in a direct drive version.
The G230-12 New MT gearbox may have additional functions: the ability to switch to high-traction mode (for example, in mountainous terrain); assistance to the driver when starting uphill; car rocking mode; maneuvering mode (the ability to drive in low gear at low engine speeds without stopping the engine).
Another important difference between the MAZ-5440M7 and the previously released “nines” is the wheelbase increased from 3600 to 3800 mm. Due to this, it was possible not only to increase the capacity of the fuel tanks (from 1150 to 1300 liters), but also to improve the distribution of the total weight of the tractor along the axles (front - 8,000 kg; drive axle - 11,500 kg).
The frame of fifth-generation tractors is made of equal-flange channel (material - high-strength alloy steel) and has high torsional and bending strength. MAZ emphasizes that thanks to the use of cataphoretic priming and powder painting, reliable anti-corrosion protection of all frame elements is ensured. All parts are fastened with self-locking bolts and can be replaced in case of repair.
Car suspension: first axle - small leaf spring; the second axis is a pneumatic 4-cylinder. The tractor is equipped with an electronic control system for the ECAS air suspension, which ensures a uniform level of ground clearance regardless of the load. A memory function with an intuitive and simple control system makes it possible to select two ride height levels.
The technically permissible static load on the fifth wheel of the MAZ-5440M7 is 9700 kg. The height of the OSU from the road level is 1150 mm. Seat shift - 800 mm.
The cabin of the “seven” does not differ from the “nine” either in appearance or interior contents - the driver can expect the same level of comfort. The high roof and low tunnel provide comfortable movement inside the cabin. Both beds have the same dimensions - 700 x 2020 mm.
The instrument panel, as they said at MAZ, was created taking into account the most comfortable control of various systems. The instrument panel is equipped with a 7-inch LCD display, which displays information about the operation of various vehicle systems in the form of text messages or symbols.
For the convenience of the driver, a table with two cup holders and a central niche for storing various things and documents of the driver is installed in the central part of the instrument panel.
The cabin is equipped with storage boxes and compartments located both above the windshield and under the lower berth (in particular, a refrigerator compartment for storing food with a usable volume of 25 liters can be installed here).
Above the windshield there is a tachograph, a lighting control unit, a car radio (on this example - Continental TR7423UB-OR), a car radio (President BARRY ASC), a GLONASS control unit.
On the door panel there is a key block responsible for adjusting and heating the mirrors, raising and lowering the side windows. In addition to electric windows, the basic package also includes central locking, light and rain sensors.
The air conditioning and heating system with automatic maintenance of the temperature set by the driver provides the driver with the necessary microclimate in the cabin. Upon request, it is possible to install an additional independent heater.
The steering wheel is continuously adjustable. The damping seat allows you to adjust the angle of the backrest lumbar support and the height of the seat. All this allows the driver to find the most comfortable position.
A large glass area and new mirrors provide an increased visibility area and all-round visibility, which makes driving a road train safer.
As standard, the MAZ-5440M7 is equipped with exchange rate stability (ESP), lane marking monitoring and emergency braking systems.
Sensors of the exchange rate stability system constantly monitor the dynamic characteristics of the movement. If there is a threat of skidding or overturning of the vehicle, individual wheels of the truck tractor are braked, and, if necessary, the engine torque is reduced. In this way, the ESP system restores the stability of the road train and keeps it securely on the road.
The electronic braking system with brake assist responds instantly to dangerous situations and ensures a short braking distance.
The lane marking monitoring system constantly monitors the position of road markings in front of the moving vehicle. If you deviate from the specified lane without turning on the corresponding turn, a warning sound will sound.
Upon request, the new MAZ truck tractor can be equipped with adaptive cruise control. This system maintains a distance from the vehicle in front, adapting the tractor to the conditions of the traffic flow, which means it significantly facilitates the driver’s work.
The LED headlights of the new MAZ car made of transparent glass have an increased luminous flux intensity, thereby increasing traffic safety at night. At the customer's request, it is possible to install LED fog lights with a turning light function.
So far, the MAZ-5440M7 exists in a single copy: the presented car is the first in the series. The price for it has not yet been approved, but approximately it will be at the level of 80-85 thousand euros (for comparison: now the price of the “nine” for the Belarusian consumer is 87 thousand euros).
As a MAZ representative said, Belarusian carriers are beginning to take an active interest in fifth-generation tractors. Three mainline MAZ-5440M9 were purchased by the Grodno tobacco factory "Neman", two - by OJSC BelGruzMagistral. Currently, several more tractors are being assembled at the plant. Some of them are for a specific customer, some will be put on display in a free warehouse in Minsk in order to reduce the waiting time for potential buyers (the fact is that the production time for Euro-6 cars is slightly longer compared to conventional equipment).
They are also showing interest in the new fifth-generation MAZs in Russia, but there have been no orders from there yet.
It is worth noting that the Minsk Automobile Plant closely monitors the performance of each MAZ-5440M9 sold: the designers communicate very closely with the drivers and mechanics of the operating organizations, collect information on how various components and assemblies behave - in the future, taking this data into account necessary changes may be made to the design of the vehicles.
Another new product from the Minsk automakers, the MAZ-54A02K truck tractor, has two key features. Firstly, it is equipped with a gas engine that runs on liquefied natural gas (methane). Secondly, it is intended for transportation of dangerous goods as part of a road train - this is indicated by its unusual index (or rather, the third and fourth digits).
MAZ-54A02K debuted in early September at the Comtrans-2019 exhibition in Moscow and aroused great interest there. The tractor is equipped with a 400-horsepower Weichai Power WP12NG 400E50 Euro-5 engine (2K in the model index is it) and a manual 16-speed ZF 16S2520 TO gearbox. Two cryogenic tanks for liquefied methane are produced by the American company Chart, their total volume is 755 l (405+350 l). This amount of gas is enough for a tractor unit as part of a road train with a total weight of 44 tons to travel at least 700 km without refueling.
Presenting the newest gas tractor, the Mazov team said that its cabin has an updated interior. In fact, we were talking about a variant that has been used for some time on many other models of the plant. And of course, against the backdrop of the interior of fifth-generation MAZs, the term “updated” is hardly suitable for such interior design. Nevertheless, this cabin also provides comfortable seats with three-point seat belts, a digital instrument panel, a table with cup holders, an electric sunshade, a climate control system, two berths, as well as LED lighting and niches for documents. The tractor is equipped with a stability control system, anti-lock braking and traction control systems.
The estimated cost of the MAZ-54A02K in configuration 0520-030, like the example presented at the exhibition, is about 180 thousand rubles for the Belarusian consumer (for comparison: the most expensive MAZ-5440 tractor with a diesel engine for the Belarusian market now costs about 146 thousand rubles ). True, in Belarus today there is simply nowhere for a new tractor to refuel - there are no gas stations for liquefied methane in our country yet. So the MAZ-54A02K is a product primarily aimed at Russia, where the gasification of vehicles has strong government support...
However, in Belarus, trucks powered by liquefied methane may also be in demand in the near future: according to the information we have, the issue of joint construction of gas stations on the M1 Brest - Moscow highway is being worked out with the Russian Gazprom - the first gas stations should appear in Brest and Minsk and Orsha. And when this happens, MAZ will have something to offer carriers - the car plant is working for the future.
Sergey GRISCHENKO Autobusiness Photo by the author
Specifications
The Belarusian company produces only truck tractors and other large-sized equipment. Therefore, it is likely that the platform and engines for the new MAZ-5551 2021-2022 crossover will be borrowed from JAC. This means that the presented model will receive a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Its current power does not exceed 150 hp, and the maximum torque reaches 251 N*m. This unit is combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is also possible that less efficient engines will appear on the Belarusian model.
Despite the fact that MAZ specializes in the production of all-wheel drive vehicles, the new crossover will not receive a similar transmission. This is partly due to limitations of the JAC platform. In addition, the lack of all-wheel drive will help keep crossover prices at an acceptable level.
Appearance
The appearance of this truck has been radically redesigned. Belarusian engineers took the design of the MAZ V9 (shown in the photo on the left) as a basis.
The new product features a reinforced cabin frame, new air supports and cladding elements. One of the features of the new MAZ-5440M9 is an enlarged cooling radiator. Its width is about a meter. Due to these dimensions, engineers had to redo part of the cabin. The radiator grille has also been expanded. On all versions it is painted black. The tow hooks are hidden behind rubber plugs in the bumper.
Please note: the MAZ logo and the bison emblem are placed separately, at a great distance. But this is not a design whim at all - these details significantly reduce the cooling area of the radiator.
From the side, the cabin resembles the contours of a Volvo FN-12 from the mid-2000s. By the way, side boxes appeared on this MAZ for the first time. They are located on both the right and left sides. Their total volume is 400 liters. Here you can place all the necessary tools, technical fluids and a gas cylinder for cooking on the go. Between the front and rear axles there are two fuel tanks with a total volume of 1100 liters. They are covered with a decorative skirt. Experts say that this solution has a positive effect on fuel efficiency. Consumption is reduced by 5-6 percent. The truck tractor is also equipped with a side and roof spoiler. The rear-view mirrors received a different shape and became more informative. The driver can monitor all blind spots. On this type of truck, this is the space near the front right wheel and the right side of the bumper. The architecture of the mirrors reminds many of Iveco Stralis. If we compare these cars in more detail, we can assume that the mirror was taken from the original without a single alteration.
Nevertheless, they provide a good overview, which was so lacking in the previous MAZ. It wouldn’t hurt to have a small “window” at the bottom (at least on the passenger door side).
Engine improvements and fuel consumption
The use of modernized injection allowed not only to increase power, but also to reduce overall fuel consumption. Thus, per 100 kilometers of travel, the MAZ-5440M9 truck tractor consumes 26.7 liters of fuel. For comparison, the 5440 model consumed 30 liters of fuel. Note that fuel injection is carried out according to the Common Rail type. “X-Plus” is an electronic unit that regulates the geometry of the collector. Fuel is supplied at a pressure of 1160 Bar. The maximum value is 2.7 thousand. The injector nozzles on this engine have eight holes. Engineers also changed the geometry of the cylinder piston. This made it possible to increase the compression ratio to 18.3. The rate of exhaust gas recirculation has also increased.
All these and many other improvements made it possible to increase engine thrust. Thus, a torque of 2.3 thousand Nm is realized already at 1.1 thousand revolutions. The machine easily overcomes steep climbs when fully loaded as part of a road train.
Reviews note that the machine has a good resource reserve. The service interval is 150 thousand kilometers. The engine itself is highly powerful, which allows you to easily transport loads weighing up to 20-25 tons. The new MAZ-5440M9 tractor also features engine braking. This allows you to reduce the load on the pads in emergency situations.
Chassis
The car is built on a ladder-type frame. At the front there is a dependent suspension with leaf springs. At the rear there is a bridge with pneumatic cylinders in a total of 4 pcs. What’s noteworthy is that the vehicle’s towing device was manufactured by the domestic company Gidromash in the city of Kobrin. The tractor is standard equipped with Matator tires with a diameter of 22 and a half inches.
As reviews note, these tires have a good service life and do not emit excessive noise when driving on the highway. Thanks to the air suspension, the car handles smoothly on uneven surfaces. But without load, increased rigidity is felt (especially in the front, where the beam has springs).
Generation V
“They greet you by their clothes...” For a truck, the “clothes” is the cabin. Now MAZ has developed three main versions for the new generation: short with a low roof, long with a low roof, long with a high roof. The purpose of each of them, I think, is clear without much explanation. Visually, they are all designed in the same style, so that the exterior of the family can be considered complete.
I’ll say right away that, alas, there is no option for a cabin with a flat floor - technological production limitations are to blame. But even in the budget version without a sleeping compartment, there is a folding shelf on the back wall, allowing you to spend the night inside in case of emergency.
Features of the official dealer:
An official dealer is a full-fledged representative of the enterprise in Russia. Dealerships are located in many large Russian cities, for example, Moscow, Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk.
As an official dealer, Rusbusinessavto performs the following functions:
Sale of equipment.
We have a wide range of equipment from the Minsk Automobile Plant. One of the most experienced truck and bus specialists on the market will be able to present it to you. At our parking lots you can compare various MAZ vehicles with each other, as well as with equipment from other brands, because we sell up to one hundred brands.
Warranty and post-warranty service support.
The warranty period for MAZ vehicles varies depending on the model. carries out scheduled maintenance of MAZ at its own service stations, equipped according to all manufacturer standards, and also repairs equipment after the warranty period has expired.
Sales of spare parts.
Being one of the oldest MAZ dealers, thanks to reliable contact with the plant, we maintain a huge warehouse of spare parts for MAZ equipment and promptly deliver additional items from the manufacturer’s warehouses.
By purchasing equipment from an official MAZ dealer in Russia, you get the opportunity to take advantage of favorable financing programs. Additional information can be obtained from our managers.
When delivering five or more units of equipment, additional discounts are provided!
Cabin interior
The reader can see a photo of the cabin interior below. Getting into the cabin is comfortable - there are handrails and footrests (on the second one you can store a change of shoes, since the door completely covers them). The seats are located high. I would immediately like to note the similarity of the design with the Mercedes Actros - the same rounding of the panel, instrument panel and console design. The steering wheel is completely identical to the Aktros.
As you can see from the photo, the interior of the MAZ-5440M9 is strongly tied to the exterior - there are no rough shapes or lines here. At the same time, there are no such modern solutions as in the fourth “Actros”. The only exception is the instrument panel with a digital display. By the way, it is made to order by a Polish company. Also in the cabin the number of shelves for documents has been increased - now there are two. There is also a cup holder on the panel.
Technical assistance "Kupava 673150"
A van with passenger and technological compartments is installed on the MAZ-631724-565-001 all-wheel drive chassis. The list of on-board equipment includes all kinds of tools and equipment.
Including a diesel generator, compressor, cylinders with oxygen and carbon dioxide, a vice, a grinding machine, a grinder, a professional welding machine, pneumatic impact wrenches, angle grinders and drills, jacks, tail lifts, etc.
MAZ garbage trucks
The Minsk Automobile Plant serially produces a wide range of different models of trucks for transporting solid municipal waste. Including the most modern MAZ-6902V5 called “Sapphire”, which meets the requirements of European standards. A vehicle equipped with a hydraulic compaction system transports up to 15 tons of waste.
In addition to body garbage trucks of various designs and levels of equipment, the company’s catalog also includes simple bunker trucks, as well as garbage trucks with a hydraulic unit.
