The Belarusian auto giant MAZ is known for its trucks, but today it has to compete with Chinese brands in the Russian market, which has traditionally been a key one for it. However, recent events show that Chinese partners can assist the Minsk enterprise in developing new niches thanks to the support of the leadership of the two countries.
Recently, an independent designer of the naavtotrasse.ru portal published sketches of a prototype of the new MAZ-6430 Bagatsey 2024 SUV. This model is an adaptation of the Chinese Foton Sauvana, which failed to gain a foothold in the Russian market. However, it is this circumstance that may push the Chinese manufacturer to cooperate with MAZ. As a result, the Belarusian plant will have the opportunity to enter a new segment of the Russian market for relatively inexpensive SUVs.
“Bagazey” will inherit from its prototype the equipment of complete sets and technical characteristics. It will be a full-fledged frame SUV with all-wheel drive and a 217-horsepower engine. Presumably, both manual and automatic transmission will be available to buyers – both options are popular in Russia.
The new MAZ will receive a rather modest equipment and a set of options by modern standards. However, thanks to this, even with minimal localization, the Belarusian model can be relatively inexpensive. It is expected that the price of the SUV will be about 3 million rubles. The launch of the novelty on the market is planned no earlier than 2024.
Thus, cooperation with Chinese partners can help MAZ expand its model range and occupy new niches in the Russian market thanks to the release of an inexpensive off-road vehicle MAZ-6430 Bagatsey. This will allow the company to strengthen its position and resist competition from Chinese brands.
