Samarkand Automobile Plant (SamAuto) will start production of new model of low-floor 8 meter city bus Samauto LE 60 in the fourth quarter of 2012.

RIA Novosti reported that two prototypes of new bus underwent technical tests and revealed shortages were eliminated. The serial production will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Earlier, the plant was planning to launch production of new bus in the third quarter of 2010 and later the term was shifted to 2011. The capacity of SKD-assembly will make up 500 vehicles a year. The sum of investments to the project was not disclosed.

Samauto specialists in cooperation with Russian Ermis Engineering Company designed the bus with the capacity of 65 passengers. The full weight of the bus is 9.8 tonnes.

New model of bus is equipped with Deutz diesel engine, ZF transmission, back axle and front suspension from RABA and WABCO braking system.