OREANDA-NEWS. Corporation "Russian Machines" and "GAZ Group" signed with the Japanese concern Isuzu Motors Limited and international trading house Itochu Corporation Memorandum of Understanding, which indicates the intention of the parties to cooperate in the development and manufacture of automotive equipment with component base Isuzu for sales in Russia and abroad.

In accordance with the document, the parties plan to consider the possibility of joint development of cars "Gazel" and "Sobol" with an environmentally responsible diesel Isuzu for a sale in Russia and in foreign markets. Export sales of GAZ vehicles with Isuzu engine will be conducted by trading house Itochu, which includes 130 branches in 65 countries. Companies are also considering the possibility of organizing of the joint development of right-hand drive versions of the vehicle "Gazelle" to enter the export markets.

In addition, the company Isuzu Motors Limited may consider the possibility of contract assembly of Isuzu models on facilities of Gorky Automobile Plant.

Another promising area of cooperation could be the creation of heavy trucks "Ural" with full weight from 26 to 48 tons with the component base Isuzu. It will allow "GAZ Group" to expand the product portfolio and to go into a new market segment of motor vehicles, which can be used as on public roads, so off-road.

The parties will continue to work in the segment of buses, in which companies already have successful experience of cooperation: this year, "GAZ Group" and Isuzu introduced the joint development - a new bus of small class for urban and suburban services "Vector-3" on the chassis of Isuzu.