Vehicle

KAMAZ-4308 Medium-range Truck

Analytical view on KAMAZ-4308

Analyzing Russian macroeconomics one can see growth in demand for commercial vehicles of up to 3-6 t payload and up to 12 t as a combination vehicle. The reasons for the growth are as follows:

First, logistics coordinating supply chains has become a tool in competitive activity. “Just-in-time” deliveries, down-sizing the batches significantly decrease the costs and increase the profits.

Second, ZIL and GAZ vehicles have become rare and are on the way out.

Third, the structure and properties of the transported goods have drastically changed due to packing “revolution”: plastic’s replaced glass, cardboard’s replaced plywood and foamplastic, etc., i.e. cargo weight is decreasing. Container sizes have been unified, capacity requirements are growing, cargo density is decreasing: Gazel is small for many of the goods, while 40-ton van is too heavy. There is a need for a spacious and maneuverable delivery truck with fuel-efficient engine that could replace five Gazel minivans.

It is amazing but the changes do not take place in Russia only. Analytical reports from advanced economies have changed significantly within the last 2-3 years: from dismal outlooks on medium-duty trucks to recognizing this segment as the second largest market of new vehicles.

Considering the fact that oil is depleting and that it makes fuel prices constantly rise, fuel consumption is becoming a critical feature. Once cargo rates used to be remarkably distorted to the benefit of Gazel vehicles: in 2005 one used to make 10 roubles per kilometer driving 1.5-ton truck, 11 roubles driving 3-ton Bychok vehicle, and 14 roubles on 10-ton KAMAZ. Gazel fuel expenses made 20%, KAMAZ – 35%. However, in terms of “per ton” calculations KAMAZ is almost four times as efficient. Now that life makes us save on fuel we don’t need a mighty off-road vehicle, but an elegant one for highways and city roads capable of transporting the above 10 tons but having fuel consumption of 18-25 liters. Such is the performance of KAMAZ-4308 truck with Cummins engine.