On May 15-16, GAZ Thanh Dat (GAZ Vietnam), in coordination with the Russian Embassy in Cambodia and the Cambodia-Russia Trade Association, organized a showcase introducing modern passenger and cargo transport solutions in the Cambodian capital.

The event was attended by Anatoly Borovik, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Cambodia, and Cham Nimul, Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, along with representatives from the business community.

All showcased vehicle models were assembled at the company’s plant in Da Nang, central Vietnam. The introduction of Vietnam-assembled vehicles to the Cambodian market reflects the company’s strategy to move beyond domestic demand and position its Da Nang facility as a regional production and supply hub for commercial vehicles in Southeast Asia.

With geographical proximity between Vietnam and Cambodia, vehicles and spare parts can be transported quickly from Da Nang, helping optimize logistics costs while ensuring timely after-sales services.

Mikhail Semenikhin, representative of the manufacturer and distributor of the commercial vehicle lineup, said the company brought to Cambodia transport solutions combining durability, cost efficiency and advanced technology.

“Gazelle and Sobol models have already established a global presence, and we believe GAZ’s experience will deliver practical value to this market. Our vehicles are reliable partners for both small businesses and public transport operators,” he said.

“We are ready to expand cooperation and believe Cambodian customers will directly experience the durability, adaptability to diverse climate conditions and operational efficiency of GAZ vehicles.”

At the event, six passenger and cargo vehicle models under the Gazelle and Sobol series attracted strong interest from transport companies through a test-drive program.

The Gazelle CITY urban bus, with capacity for 26 passengers, features a low-floor design aimed at improving accessibility in modern urban transport systems. The model eliminates entry steps and includes a deployable ramp for passengers with disabilities and strollers. The spacious interior and high ceiling are designed to improve passenger comfort, while the adjustable air suspension system and galvanized steel frame enhance durability and corrosion resistance.

The Gazelle CITILINE urban bus, accommodating 20 passengers, uses a body-on-frame structure and offers a passenger compartment height of up to 1.9 meters, allowing most passengers to stand comfortably. Large glass panels create a spacious interior, while the compact dimensions and low operating costs position the model as a practical solution for urban transportation.

The Gazelle NN passenger vehicle, configured for 16-19 seats, is equipped with a Euro 5-compliant 150-horsepower engine, a five-speed manual transmission and intelligent safety systems including ESC, ABS and EBD. Its compact turning radius of 6.5 meters is intended to improve maneuverability on interprovincial routes.

The Sobol NN cargo van is designed for delivery operations in congested urban areas. Measuring 5.1 meters in length and featuring a turning radius of only 5.5 meters, the model is configured with six seats, enabling simultaneous transport of personnel and specialized equipment into confined spaces.

The Gazelle NEXT van offers flexible passenger and cargo configurations, with cargo space reaching 13 cubic meters. The model is available in standard and reinforced versions with maximum gross vehicle weights of 3.5 tons and 4.6 tons respectively, targeting mobile maintenance and repair operations.

The Gazelle NEXT cargo truck incorporates galvanized steel components and high-grade plastic materials designed to resist corrosion for up to eight years. Available in 3.5-ton and 4.6-ton configurations, the vehicle is aimed at freight transport operators and retail distribution businesses.

The positive reception in Cambodia not only reinforces the role of the Da Nang plant within the regional supply chain, but also demonstrates Vietnam’s increasingly competitive mechanical engineering and vehicle assembly capabilities, creating momentum for locally assembled commercial vehicles to penetrate deeper into Southeast Asian markets.