At the INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Sollers announced plans to produce a new model — the ST8 pickup. The vehicle will be assembled in Ulyanovsk and will have the highest level of localization among all Sollers models. The all-wheel drive vehicle is based on the Chinese JAC T8, differing only by its nameplate from its Russian counterpart.
High localization
The car was grandly presented on July 9, 2024, in the presence of Mikhail Mishustin, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, and Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. A test batch of pickups was manufactured at the plant in Ulyanovsk. By the end of 2024, a full-cycle assembly line for the cars will be set up, and a pilot series of cars will be released for testing. Full-size pickup trucks will go into serial production in 2025. Along with the launch of production, the supporting infrastructure should also be developed, particularly, a domestic component base with subcontractors and suppliers of components. According to the manufacturer, for the Ulyanovsk plant, where UAZ SUVs have been assembled for decades, the launch of the new model will be a significant milestone. The company promises that this model will be the most widespread and highly localized among pickups. Notably, the company is already assembling another Sollers ST6 pickup at the former Mazda plant in Vladivostok.
A truck with the comfort of a passenger car
The design of the Sollers ST8 pickups is almost identical to the JAC T8. It features a cargo frame body architecture with a spring suspension at the rear and a solid cargo axle without a locking interwheel differential. The exhaust tract was moved higher under the frame protection, and the wheels received a new size of 265/60 R18. As a result, the pickup’s ground clearance increased to 210 mm. The pickup’s payload capacity is 900 kg.
The cargo platform has dimensions of 152×152 cm, and the side height is 46 cm. The curb weight reaches 1940 kg, which means no worries regarding restrictions on entry into the center of the capital with a pickup.
Under the hood of the Sollers ST8 is the same engine as the ST6, namely a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel, as well as a 6-speed manual gearbox, which are already produced with a high degree of localization in Yelabuga and Zavolzhye. The power unit is complemented by a transfer case with a low range.
The car’s primary drive is rear. The front axle is connected using an electronic clutch. The transmission has three operating modes: 2H – rear drive, 4H – all-wheel drive, 4L – all-wheel drive with a low gear and a rigid locking of the center differential. The last mode is suitable only for off-road.
A more powerful engine from JAC may soon become available for the pickup. It is a 2.4-liter diesel unit that produces 204 hp and a torque of 320 Nm. It is possible that Chinese diesel engines will be installed in UAZ SUVs.
Prices and detailed configurations of the car have not yet been announced, but it has been reported that Sollers ST8 will cost less than its Chinese counterpart JAC T8, the price of which starts from 2,990,000 rubles.
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Sollers ST8: A New Russian Pickup Truck with High Localization
The INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg witnessed the unveiling of Sollers’ latest venture – the ST8 pickup truck. This vehicle, set to be assembled in Ulyanovsk, boasts the highest localization rate among all Sollers models. While based on the Chinese JAC T8, the Russian counterpart distinguishes itself with distinct branding and a focus on local production.
High Localization: A Key Focus
The grand unveiling of the Sollers ST8 on July 9, 2024, was graced by the presence of esteemed figures such as Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, and Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The event marked a significant milestone for the Ulyanovsk plant, where UAZ SUVs have been assembled for decades. The plant is poised to witness a transformation with the introduction of the new model on its assembly line.
A test batch of pickups has already been produced at the plant, paving the way for full-scale production. By the end of 2024, a dedicated conveyor for assembling the cars in a complete cycle is expected to be operational. This will be followed by the release of a pilot series of vehicles, which will undergo rigorous testing before the **full-scale production launch in 2025**. Alongside the production launch, the company is committed to developing a robust domestic component base, collaborating with subcontractors and suppliers of components.
A Truck with Passenger Car Comfort
The Sollers ST8 boasts a design that closely resembles its Chinese counterpart, the JAC T8. It features a robust cargo frame body architecture with a spring suspension at the rear and a solid cargo axle without a locking interwheel differential. The exhaust track has been repositioned higher under the frame protection, and the wheels have been upgraded to a new size of 265/60 R18. These modifications have resulted in an increased ground clearance of 210 mm, further enhancing the pickup’s off-road capabilities.
The pickup’s impressive load capacity of 900 kg is complemented by a cargo platform measuring 152×152 cm with a side height of 46 cm. The curb weight of 1940 kg ensures compliance with regulations regarding pickup entry into city centers.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
The Sollers ST8 shares its powertrain with the ST6, featuring a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Both components are already produced with a high degree of localization in Yelabuga and Zavolzhye. The power unit is further enhanced by a transfer case with a low range.
The pickup boasts a rear-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled front axle for all-wheel drive capabilities. The transmission offers three operating modes:
- 2H: Rear-wheel drive
- 4H: All-wheel drive
- 4L: All-wheel drive with a low gear and a rigid locking of the center differential. This mode is specifically designed for off-road driving.
The company is also exploring the option of incorporating a more powerful 2.4-liter diesel engine from JAC, capable of generating 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque. This engine is a potential candidate for future applications in UAZ SUVs.
Affordability and Competitive Advantage
While official pricing and detailed configurations are yet to be announced, Sollers has confirmed that the ST8 will be priced lower than its Chinese counterpart, the JAC T8, which currently starts at 2,990,000 rubles. This price advantage, coupled with the high localization rate and the robust features of the ST8, positions it as a competitive contender in the Russian market.
Sollers ST8: A Promising Addition to the Russian Automotive Landscape
The Sollers ST8 represents a significant step forward in the Russian automotive industry’s quest for greater self-sufficiency. With its high localization rate, robust features, and potential for affordability, the ST8 is poised to attract attention from both individual buyers and commercial fleet operators. It will be interesting to see how the ST8 performs in the market and how it contributes to the ongoing development of the Russian automotive industry.
