News

Joint Venture of KAMAZ & Cummins

24 January 2006, Naberezhnye Chelny, Russian Federation. Steven Chapmen, Vice-President of “Cummins Inc.” and Irek Gumerov, Deputy Director General of KAMAZ Inc. on components, signed constituent instruments about establishing “Cummins Kama” joint venture for assembly of B series (120-175 h.p.) engines for Russian market.

“Cummins Kama” is a joint venture with USD 20 million of authorized capital. Each company has a 50% share in the authorized capital. As per experts’ opinion Russian market capacity on B series engines exceeds 100 000 units per year. Nevertheless, both parties are faced a difficult task: a price should meet customer’s expectations, and there should be developed a local delivery center. Along with KAMAZ Inc. truck and bus manufacturers from Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan can also become the new company’s customers.

Production of B series engines will be located on KAMAZ premises in Naberezhnye Chelny, (Tatarstan). Joint venture program planned by “Cummins Inc.” and KAMAZ Inc. foresees introduction of advanced ecological standards and two stages of project realization. Alongside engine assembly, “Cummins” and KAMAZ are intended to develop service actively. Thus, “Cummins” will get access to the biggest dealer and service net on the RF and CIS territory and at the same time KAMAZ dealers will improve technology on engines servicing.

Tim Solso, a Chairman of Board of Directors of “Cummins Inc.”:

“Joint venture will be decisive for “Cummins Inc.” if it enters Russian and CIS markets in a status of a local manufacturer. In its turn KAMAZ will gain access to new manufacturing technology and occupy a new niche on Russian engine market where it has not been introduced before.”

Sergey Kogoghin, Director General of KAMAZ Inc.:

“Two years ago KAMAZ has developed and introduced on the market a new family of vehicles and was the first to present its basic medium range KAMAZ-4308 truck of 5,5 t payload powered with “Cummins” engine. Its popularity was beyond of our expectations. It was more due to the engine that improved the vehicle’s maneuverability and lowered fuel consumption. This made us speed up the process of “Cummins” assembly establishing in Russia. In 2006 we plan to open a number of new joint ventures with the world leading manufacturers on production of main vehicle components.”

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

We Can!

On Monday in January 23, 2006 Mintimer Shaimiev, President of Tatarstan Republic, received the star Dakar team.

- Today “KAMAZ-Master” is not just a sport team, it is a unique school that appeared in our Republic, - underlined the President at the start of the meeting. He noted that the whole KAMAZ team worked for the victory at the most prestigious marathon: designers, engineers, workers, pilots, navigators and mechanics applied their knowledge and skills.

- It’s a major achievement not only of KAMAZ and Tatarstan but all Russians and domestic automotive industry, - declared Mintimer Shaimiev. On behalf of all Tatarstan citizens he congratulated everyone who helped to reach such a prominent victory:

- It’s the right case when we may say that “we can!”

Mintimer Shaimiev presented to the “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” winners medals “For Valorous Labor” and offered a Cup as a gift that represents a gold leopard bearing this cup on its spine. The same gift was presented to State Heads at the 1000th anniversary of Kazan, Tatarstan Capital.

Vladimir Shvetsov, Deputy RT Prime Minister of Transport & Road Facilities, Chairman of Republic automotorsport Federation had also congratulated the team. He handed over the Cup and said it was pleasant to see KAMAZ ahead of the world largest vehicle manufacturers.

Sergey Kogoghin, Director General of KAMAZ Inc. congratulating the racers noticed every victory does not come easy. Not everyone is able to bear titanic difficulties people have to withstand during the marathon.

Semion Yakoubov, KAMAZ-Master team manager thanked the Republic management for support:

- Our victory is not simply a sport success but it is also a proof that KAMAZ is functioning and keeps on developing.

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

Sergey Kogoghin Takes the Place of Andrey Reus

Sergey A. Kogoghin, Director General of KAMAZ Inc. is elected Chairman of board of Russian Automobile Manufacturers Association. Board of Russian vehicle manufacturers association (RAMA) held a session summarizing Association’s work within 2005 and adopted new management structure.

For more information read...

Friday, 20 January 2006

Results of 2005

In 2005 the Group of companies of KAMAZ Inc. has delivered to its customers products valued 42 722 billion rubles that is in comparable prices higher vs. results of 2004.

As of KAMAZ Inc. Department of Economy analogous increase was attained by marketing of basic products: there were marketed 32 282 trucks both on domestic and foreign markets (vs. 28 151 in 2004, increase – 14,7%; vs. 23 714 in 2003), 39 925 engines and power units (vs. 36 073 in 2004, increase by 10,7%; vs. 30 079 in 2003). Russian customers obtained 23 651 trucks (vs. 21 835 in 2004), for export it was shipped 8 631 vehicles (vs. 6 316 in 2004). Spare parts assembled for all kinds of manufactured equipment were sold to the amount of 6 865 billion rubles what is in comparable prices by 0,7% higher vs. last year. Output of products of diversification remained on the same level as in previous year and constituted 4 385 billion rubles.

Actually the most popular model in 2005 is still 53215 chassis for transport trucks and special superstructures: 5 076 units were sold. However its share has visibly decreased in favor of heavy weights and new chassis of heavy category. For example, output of heavy-duty trucks based on 53229 chassis has in a year grown from 3 551 to 4 115 units.

Sudden increase of heavy-duty trucks output on KAMAZ-6520 dump truck chassis was to be observed in 2005 (6520, 6522 and 65201 models) – from 1 224 units in 2004 up to 2 790 units in 2005. Quite a considerable growth had 65115 family – from 3 260 to 4 268. In recent years there was fixed forecasted reduction of “automobile hit”, that is of dump truck and other kinds of vehicles on 55111 chassis (from 3 300 units in 2004 vs. 3 053 in 2005). A famous 54115 truck tractor gives way to such modernized versions as 6460, 5460 and others. Output volumes of prime movers have increased in a year from 805 to 1 145 units.

At the same time takes place sale increase of new models. It also concerns all-wheel drive trucks (43114, 43118, 44108 and others). We also observe “roles redistribution” within this family in accordance with general tendency. It is extension of carrying capacity, and preference of modernized vehicles with better consumer characteristics.

It is necessary to mention a significant growth of bus and bus chassis sale. So in 2005 it was assembled and realized 1 201 bus chassis (909 in 2004, increase by 32,1%), 1 139 units of which were for assembly of NEFAZ buses (855 in 2004, increase by 33,2%). On leasing conditions there were passed 2 533 trucks, buses and trailers for customers (1 786 in 2004, increase by 41,8%).

According to the business plan of the Company approved by the Board of Directors of KAMAZ Inc. it is planned to assemble and realize in 2006 45,4 billion rubles worth products including spare parts valued 8 billion rubles and products of diversification amounted 5,6 billion rubles. It is intended to manufacture and sale 34 000 trucks (25 500 in Russia and 8 500 abroad). It is also planned to produce 1 320 passenger buses and market on leasing scheme 2 700 vehicles.

Thursday, 19 January 2006

RF President Plenipotentiary Alexander Konovalov Visiting Naberezhnye Chelny

Alexander Konovalov called his visit to KAMAZ Inc. a scheduled business trip and said he would frequently appear in Chelny. In Naberezhnye Chelny Farid Mukhametshin - Chairman of Tatarstan Republic State Council, Marsel Ghalimardanov – Tatarstan Republic Chief Federal Inspector, Ildar Khalikov - Head of Administration and Vasil Kayumov - First Deputy Director General and Chief Executive of KAMAZ Inc., accompanied the RF President plenipotentiary of Privolzhsky region. Alexander Konovalov visited three out of four enterprises. Visit on “ZF Kama” was postponed till his next trip.

Alexander Konovalov started his acquaintance with the Automobile Plant. He saw the main assembly line and a small vehicle exhibition where were presented various modifications of KAMAZ vehicles with Euro-2 engine and buses on KAMAZ-NEFAZ chassis, Tourist and small NEFAZ buses.

“I wanted to see the Plant. I must admit my expectations were justified. Production scale is amazing,” – Alexander Konovalov said to the journalists.

Then the guests came to Research and Development Center of KAMAZ Inc. to meet “KAMAZ-Master” racers who the day before arrived from “Lisbon-Dakar” rally-raid. Alexander Konovalov congratulated the team. In memory of this meeting the rallyists gave the RF President Plenipotentiary one of their awards – a figure of a bronze Bedouin.

Thursday, 19 January 2006

“Star Landing Troops” Return

Late evening of 17 January our racers came back from the 28 th transcontinental super marathon “Lisbon-Dakar 2006”. 30°Ñ of cold did not frighten the automobile sport fans who were meeting “KAMAZ-Master” team members. Among them were also Ildar S. Khalikov, Head of Administration of Naberezhnye Chelny, and Sergey A. Kogoghin, Director General of KAMAZ Inc. welcoming 7 time Dakar winners.

- It’s a special day not only for Chelny and Tatarstan but also for a whole Russia, - addressed Ildar Shavkatovich the winners. – We thank you for a feat performed those days in January.

Head of Administration had particularly expressed his gratitude to Sergey Kogoghin and Semion Yakoubov, Chelny racers’ coach.

- We experienced this race with you, we endured and worried about, - Sergey Kogoghin welcomed the conquerors. - Your stamina and courage should be enough for at least one more victory. Sport is sport. There is no midtone. Either victory or defeat. The seventh victory in a row means for KAMAZ only one: we once again confirmed the sportsmen’ professionalism and power of the whole Company.

Vladimir Tchaguine, Dakar 2006 Champion told about troubles of that unlucky stage when his truck got into the sand crater: “We were sure that it’s an end to our leading position. But the one who is above us was on our side. With difficulty but we got out of a trap and managed to remain the first.” “The team did the outmost, - Semion Yakoubv evaluated the three KAMAZ crews of the last marathon, - We are very glad to win the first and the third places. I think it’s the maximum of what we could achieve this year. Special praise deserves Sergey Reshetnikov’s crew. With the trauma that he received at the beginning of the rally he could not continue the race as a pilot. Thanks Sergey Bubnovsky doctor all crews reached the finish.

Semion Yakoubov named the major Dakar feature - soft sands where the vehicles went down. Navigational principles were completely different from those of the last year. Most competitors suffered. But the changes implemented into KAMAZ trucks design helped to increase their average speed and raise its maneuverability. To overcome Dakar without breaks was impossible. Nevertheless the race turned out to be successful for KAMAZ team.

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

ÊÀÌÀZ is the Champion!

Alexey Shilobodin, special reporter and the KAMAZ-Master team IT manager from Dakar (Senegal):

The Russian crew of Vladimir Tchaguine as a pilot, Semion Yakoubov as a navigator and Sergey Savostine as a mechanic won the rally “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” among trucks. This is the seventh victory of KAMAZ-Master in the legendary marathon, the record that any team in the world has not reached before. The second place took the crew of MAN team for the first time in its sport life piloted by the Hollander Hans Stacey. 4 813 km of the special route he negotiated in 2 h 21 min 9 sec behind Vladimir Tchaguine. The third by right came also KAMAZ racers. Firdaus Kabirov together with its navigator Aydar Belyaev and mechanic Andrey Mokeev were 3 h 5 min 52 sec behind the leader.

KAMAZ-Master team, although the victory was close, was ready for the last stage. All were healthy and full of energy as at the beginning of the rally (thanks to the team doctor Bubnovsky) making up their mind to overcome the last stage of 31 km extension and 79 km of already famous Pink Lake sandy beaches connecting line. However, the stage meant almost nothing on this huge transcontinental 9 000 km long route.

Now we can say that KAMAZ-Master team, appeared to be unreachable for its competitors, has become a phenomenon in present-day automobile sport for the 5th time in a row and 7th time in its 17 year history.

We have won again! What can be more joyful in minutes when intense “KAMAZ is the Champion!” wave with the loud Russian splash swamp triumphal podium of the marathon.

Monday, 16 January 2006

14/01/06 - Tambacounda > Dakar - 254 km - 634 km

Firdaus Kabirov was the first to drive his KAMAZ to the finish of 14th stage in Dakar. Right after him, Hans Stacey’s MAN negotiated 254 km special from Tambacounda Senegal Capital losing to Kabirov 2 min 57 sec. Andre de Azevedo came third. His TATRA finished the rally 4 min 13 sec behind the leader. Vladimir Tchaguine showed the fourth result 12 min 20 sec after Kabirov.

So in overall truck standings before penultimate stage, Russian crew of pilot Vladimir Tchaguine, navigator Semion Yakoubov and mechanic Sergey Savostine was still leading.

The last leg on the way to Dakar was a little bit longer than previous year and more complicated.

Sunday, 15 January 2006

13/01/06 - Labe > Tambacounda - 348 km - 567 km

It took Hans Stacey 6 h 2 min to bring his MAN to the finish line of 348 km special to Tambacounda. KAMAZ of Firdaus Kabirov was the second losing 13 min 14 sec to MAN. Tchaguine finished third 30 min 28 sec behind Stacey.

However, the fifth victory of Hans Staceys's crew in the Dakar 2006 rally could not change the overall trucks standings. The KAMAZ driven by Vladimir Tchaguine remained unreachable for the competitors. Hans Stacey lost 2 hours 30 minutes and 32 seconds to the Russian crew. Fihrdaus Kabirov was the third to close the leaders' group, with 3 hours 18 minutes and 12 seconds behind Tchaguine.

“There was no way we could do something to catch up with Stacey's Man,” Kabirov said while talking about the results of the stage. "Most of the way there was a "tram race" everybody driving along a narrow multikilometre road in the woods filled with gullies and sloughs, one after another, having no possibility for overtaking. Being the winner of the previous stage, Stacey had started ahead of us, with the faster jeeps of the leaders. That is why he was earlier at the finish. This same situation may occur tomorrow.” “Three stages to the finish. What are the chances to switch places with Stacey? - interested reporter. “It is possible in two cases: while running from us or pursuing Tchaguine, he gets lost or breaks.." Firdaus turned out to be prophetic talking about the 13th stage. This race mostly took place on a narrow hilly forest stretch with no chance to turn left or right. The fact was fortunate for the “flying Dutchman” Hans Stacey who finished second.

Saturday, 14 January 2006

12/01/06 - Bamako > Labe - 368 km - 872 km

Dutchman Hans Stacey on MAN won the 12 th “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” stage. He was 12 min 26 sec ahead of Firdaus Kabirov and 18 min 36 sec of Vladimir Tchaguine. It was Stacy’s fourth win at this rally.

Overall truck standings remained the same. The upper line of fixture list occupied the Russian crew of Vladimir Tchaguine on KAMAZ who had a 3 h 58 sec lead over Stacey. The third was Firdaus Kabirov 3 h 35 min 24 sec behind the leader.

That same day started the so-called marathon stage “Bamako- Labe-Tambacounda” of near 1 500 km length which connected Mali, Guinea and Senegal. It was called marathon because at the intermediate bivouac in Labé there were no support trucks according to the rally order. This was one of the most difficult legs as when it concerned the route and navigation skills of Dakar rally participants. This unusually difficult stage would define alignment of forces before finish in Senegal.

Firdaus Kabirov could not approach Stacey at that stage but he strengthened his third position overtaking de Azevedo by 1 h 41 min.

Friday, 13 January 2006

11/01/06 - Kayes > Bamako - 231 km - 705 km

Hans Stacey on MAN captured the 11th “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” stage victory in truck category overtaking de Azevedo on TATRA by 6 min 41 sec and KAMAZ of Vladimir Tchaguine that came the third by 11 min 10 sec. Firdaus Kabirov finished fifth losing to the leader 33 min 52 sec.

The third win of the Dutchman lifted him to the second place in fixture list of overall ranking among trucks. He was 3 h 19 min 34 sec behind Tchaguine’s crew.

The major obstacle on the way of iron caravan from Kayes to Mali’s capital Bamako became local forests. The hidden under thick tree crowns roads cut through rich vegetation were a real trap for trucks.

“Today’s motto for all trucks – watch up the crowns or break the wind-screen, and meanwhile watch down the stones or puncture the tire,” – that’s how Tchaguine defined the main special’s hindrances.

This way there was an explanation to how Kabirov lost 30 min and more to Hans Stacey: “We punctured both right and left wheels and spent 32 minutes on its repairs”, told Firdaus Kabirov. “The first wheel we broke with the “help” of television helicopter. We were climbing up the steep along the narrow stony path. The helicopter hanged above and made a trail of dust. I drove at random, “by touch”; a minute, another...bang! – a powerful blow: we impaled upon a sharp stone…We changed the tire…Caught up with Tchaguine. Haven’t passed a kilometer I want to cut off the route and in the bushes impinged by the left wheel on a stub …So quietly, slowly we finished the stage.”

Thursday, 12 January 2006

10/01/06 - Kiffa > Kayes - 283 km - 333 km

MAN of Hans Stacey was the first at the 10 th stage of “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” rally and overcame KAMAZ of Firdaus Kabirov by 1 min 44 sec. Vladimir Tchaguine, who was 23 min 42 sec behind the Hollander, finished the third.

Results of this stage did not make considerable alterations upon overall ranking in the category. Vladimir Tchaguine remained a strong leader leaving behind Firdaus Kabirov for 3 h 18 min 52 sec. The only KAMAZ competitor managed to get to Tchaguine close was Stacey who was losing to him 3 h 30 min 44 sec.

The 10 th stage took place at Mali territory. The major route difficulty was in contrast of plains’ expanse and meandering, narrow, difficult to traverse route stretches winding in local thick vegetation. And of course the difficulty of passing innumerable paths and roads of villages and, besides, excessive danger of riding through inhabited areas.

This 333 km long stage represented a narrow, trenched, furrowed way winding through baobabs.

Tchaguine being three hours ahead of competitors did not take the risk and drove fast, with confidence, skillfully avoiding all obstacles and engaging into fight for superiority on the leg.

The competitors out of three teams – Kabirov, Stacey, de Azevedo – started a serious fight.

Wednesday, 11 January 2006

Interview of “KAMAZ-Master” Manager – Semion Yakoubov

- The one who shows a good time at the 9 th stage will have all chances to make it to the finish first, - he said, - it will put everything into its own places. If any difficulties arise then none of the teams will be able to cope with them…

- How do you estimate the competitors?

- Up to this moment the most prepared are KAMAZ, TATRA and DAF teams… Many teams show their best, for example, the Hollander Stacey; it’s very entertaining struggling with him…

- But at this rally, as you’ve said, not everything depends on driving technique.

- No, navigation problems influence the competition most of all. Nobody has encountered serious damages yet, but nobody has escaped navigation troubles.

Wednesday, 11 January 2006

KAMAZ Crews Keep Status Quo

By morning of 10 January we learned results of the 9 th “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” stage among trucks. The road passed through “ Nouakchott-Kiffa” route – the last leg on Mauritania deserts. Further the route would pass over Mali, Guinea and Senegal.

Kabirov’s crew finished the 10 th 3 h 10 min 18 sec behind its team comrade – the stage winner. As a result Vladimir Tchaguine’s leadership upon results of nine stages had become implicit. Notwithstanding all tragedies Kabirov’s team overtook that day the KAMAZ trio saved its second place in fixture list. The third was Hans Stacey who lost Tchaguine 3 h 54 min 26 sec. Andre de Azevedo and Carel Lopraise caught up the cherished places of the three potential Dakar winners by accordingly 4 h 41 min 26 sec and 5 h 24 min 31 sec.

Tuesday, 10 January 2006

09/01/06 - Nouakchott > Kiffa - 599 km - 874 km

KAMAZ of Vladimir Tchaguine was the first who conquered the main sport peak of “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” leg, the longest Nouakchott-Kiffa special in Mauritania of 599 km length. Within 10 h 07 min 41 sec the crew of Vladimir Tchaguine was having a wearisome combat against its competitors, route and tiredness.

The Brazilian Andre de Azevedo on “Tatra” diminished its lead to 33 min 44 sec, Carel Lopraise was accordingly 5 h 24 min 31 sec behind.

On 8 January to negotiate the last stage before getting to Mauritania capital and pass it in a definite time managed only Kabirov, Tchaguine and Stacey. Out of 69 competitors of truck battle that had started in Lisbon only 47 survived and received penalty time: the stage appeared to be too tiresome, perfidious and unpredictable for them.

Besides the battle of two teams “KAMAZ-Master” and MAN of Stacey looked too dramatic when the Hollander’s truck not the first day found itself disappearing in the most unexpected route places - in dust and sandy dunes.

Both checkpoints – 97 th km and 205 th km – the first passed the trucks of Kabirov and Tchaguine in one minute difference.

It was 16 o’clock of local time. Vladimir Tchaguine’s KAMAZ ¹ 508 alone was continuing violently “carving” his way to the finish line and he, despite all traditional navigation traps arranged on the route, was the fastest contending with all obstacles to the way to three checkpoints. Still there was over 100 km to the special stage end. The crew overcame them without any difficulties as usual.

Overall Ranking after Stage 9. Special Stage: 599 êì. Total: 874 êì

Pos.	Team number/Team		Truck	Time	Behind the leader
1	508	Tchaguine/Yakoubov/Savostine	KAMAZ	45h 55' 04''	0h 00' 00''
2	500	Kabirov/Belyaev/Mokeev	KAMAZ	49h 35' 54''	3h 40' 50''
3	524	Stacey/Gotlib/Der Kinderen	MAN	49h 49' 30''	3h 54' 26''
4	513	De Azevedo/Martinec/Justo	TATRA	50h 36' 30''	4h 41' 26''
5	509	Lopraise/Gilar/Lopraise	TATRA	51h 19' 35''	5h 24' 31''

...

19

514

Reshetnikov/Konopko/Nikolaev

KAMAZ

72h 29' 59''

26h 34' 55''

Tuesday, 10 January 2006

07/01/06 - Atar > Nouakchott - 508 km - 568 km

Firdaus Kabirov was the first at the finish line of the 8 th “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” leg. 5 min 25 sec later came Hans Stacey. Vladimir Tchaguine followed him in 51 min 56 sec.

The first half marathon outcome of sport cavalcade which was on the road to Mauritania capital Nouakchott had mostly Russian character. The leader upon overall results in truck category remained Vladimir Tchaguine’s crew (№ 508). Firdaus Kabirov (№ 500) remained 30 min 32 sec behind Tchaguine. And the trio headed by the Hollander Hans Stacey lagging for 44 min 54 sec took the third place.

KAMAZ № 514 of Sergey Reshetnikov had to reach finish before dawn. Though he lost the winner 2 h 24 min he broke “the maximum time” limits defined for negotiating the whole leg, and the crew got by without penalty time. Upon overall results the debutants were the 16 th.

By the end of the first half of the route competition among trucks reminded Russian roulette – nobody had courage to predict results of one of the stages in advance. Already second day in succession Tchaguine’s crew wasted time in the sands. This time it happened on the 230 th km: rally leading KAMAZ could not contend with sandy trap at once and almost during an hour the members shoveled away the sandy blockade.

Sunday, 08 January 2006

06/01/06 - Zouerat > Atar - 499 km - 521 km

At the seventh rally “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” stage a Holland team of Hans Stacey on MAN become the winner having overtaken Firdaus Kabirov for 2 min 29 sec and the Brazilian Andre de Azevedo for 10 min 14 sec.

In overall truck ranking Vladimir Tchaguine as before remained the leader and was 1 h 22 min 28 sec ahead of Firdaus Kabirov and 1 h 31 min 25 sec ahead of Hans Stacey, who displaced the Czech Carel Lopraise.

Navigational finesse was of great use that day. Fully impassable roads of a leg consisted of three sandy massifs of 80 km in length each of which had all kinds of grounds and dunes height. The major obstacle had its own name El-Bied.

The night from 5 to 6 January was very tense for KAMAZ-Master team mechanics. A number of preventive measures for trucks was also supplemented by the replacement of Kabirov truck’s reduction gear.

At 290 km Vladimir Tchagine’s truck stopped. The reason for it was not clear for a long time: there was no connection with “IriTrack” system that enables real-time monitoring of positions and tracking of competitors. It gave an objective picture of the route not always.

Finally “IriTrack” started working. KAMAZ of Firdaus Kabirov the first passed CP2 of 355 special stage kilometres. Right after him, 14 minutes behind, followed Stacey. At last it became known that Tchaguine passed CP2 after an hour and 10 sec behind Kabirov. But there were 144 km more to the finish line.

“We were the first on the route, - Semion Yakoubov, - At 290 km we climbed up the dune, rolled over and saw in front a huge crater. The truck implacably fell on its right side at the crater edge and buried into sand. We started digging a hole to level the truck. Then we used the jack and gradually the truck stood on its four wheels. When it was left 15 km to the finish the tire of a left rear wheel broke into pieces. Still we went ahead and came in.”

Saturday, 07 January 2006

05/01/06 - Tan Tan > Zouerat - 444 km - 792 km

This was a present made to a 36 birthday of Vladimir Tchaguine who first in his category reached the finish line of Zouerat stage.

“We are at the finish line and we are the first,” – summed up briefly Vladimir Tchaguine who made the win at this leg on his birthday traditional from the moment he started driving the racing truck. “Today for the first time since the start of the rally we had a real sport speed route,” commented continuous navigator Semion Yakoubov. – We have negotiated 444 km within four hours. I am very pleased we made it as we can – quickly and correctly.”

The sixth “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” rally stage had become significant for “KAMAZ-Master” team due to the fact that for the first time since the rally started both highest points of overall ranking in truck category received the members of Vladimir Tchaguine and Firdaus Kabirov teams. Time lag equaled two hours.

Four Mauritania stages were four new bastions taken by assault on early morning of 5 January. Now nobody could predict whose knowledge to conquer the route, the rival and himself would turn out to be the most perfect. But Dakar rally practice is evident as exactly in Mauritania sands ambitious victory plans and shy hopes to sail out of sand sea to Dakar beacons can be buried.

Sergey Reshetnikov’s KAMAZ ¹ 514, who on the eve had forced his way to a ten leader list of overall truck results, came to bivouac with twilight. The thing is that on speed route the truck jumped the road springboard and landed at the pit. The left side where the pilot sat got the main hit. Mechanic and navigator did not suffer. Unfortunately Reshetnikov got compressive spine injury and was not able to drive the truck further. After a while, as it is not prohibited by the rules, mechanic Eduard Nikolaev continued driving the truck and slowly and carefully brought the vehicle to bivouac. Team fate further depended on the team doctor Sergey Bubnovsky only.

Four hours before dawn when KAMAZ trucks came to start position, Reshetnikov again drove KAMAZ ¹ 514. A year ago recovery of Andrey Mokeev, Kabirov’s team mechanic, seemed to be a miracle. Reshetnikov’s case bears witness again to successful method of “KAMAZ-Master” team doctor’s extreme exercise therapy.

The main intrigue of the last days in truck competition had a maximum sharp character. It was based on the duel of Vladimir Tchaguine and Firdaus Kabirov teams against the sport MAN teams.

Friday, 06 January 2006

04/01/06 - Ouarzazate > Tan Tan - 350 km - 819 km

More than four hours took the 508 team piloted by Tchaguine to make it to the finish first in truck category overcoming road passes of the 350 km stage on the way to

Tan Tan – the last stop in Morocco for the competitors of “Lisbon-Dakar 2006”.

The fifth win in a row of KAMAZ crew consisting of Vladimir Tchaguine as a pilot, Semion Yakoubov as a navigator and Sergey Savostine as a mechanic had strengthened its position in general qualification of truck sport category.

The race of 4 January for Reshetnikov’s KAMAZ ¹ 514 had developed in a different way. He finished the leg the 44 th. As total score shows he fell to the 23d position.

A Look From Naberezhnye Chelny.

“KAMAZ-Master” racers were modest in their commentaries for the special reporter when they did not mention the fact that not far from the finish the crew of Vladimir Tchaguine stopped to rescue Andrey Ivanov on its NISSAN car (¹ 343). By that moment KAMAZ was leading. Actually the team sacrificed its win as at that time MAN of Hans Stacey had overtaken them.

It was already the third stage when the Hollanders made a good use of close start positions being “on tail” of KAMAZ team. They didn’t need to show their navigation skills: it was enough to follow KAMAZ ¹ 508 route and not to be mistaken.

Thursday, 05 January 2006

03/01/06 - Er Rachidia > Ouarzazate - 386 km - 639 km

KAMAZ 508 crew has again became unreachable for the rivals. At the fourth “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” special stage it left the Hollander Hans Stacey on MAN 2 min 42 sec and the truck ¹ 500 of Firdaus Kabirov 17 min 10 sec behind. The truck ¹ 514 of Sergey Reshetnikov rushed onto the 4 th place taking 29 min 5 sec behind the leader.

Tchaguine’s crew reached the maximum break off from the rest of the competitors. He left behind “Tatra” of the Czech Carel Lopraise 1 h 8 min 47 sec behind that moved to the second place and the truck of Firdaus Kabirov 1 h 18 min 41 sec behind. The crew of Firdaus Kabirov in a really stubborn struggle made its way to the group of leaders.

And perhaps nobody could have expected the unknown racer from Naberezhnye Chelny Sergey Reshetnikov after a failure at the first European stage to take the lead over 60 competitors in three days. He brought his truck to the 9 th place in fixture list of overall truck ranking. He lagged 2 h 18 min 25 sec behind the leader.

All along the stage of 3 January the main rally intrigue was developing between Vladimir Tchaguine’s truck and the MAN of Hans Stacey.

The teams of Kabirov and Reshetnikov made decisive spurt to the group of leaders.

Wednesday, 04 January 2006

02/01/06 - Nador > Er Rachidia - 314 km - 672 km

On 2d January Russian KAMAZ team piloted by Vladimir Tchaguine showed the third victory in a row at “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” rally-raid. At 314 km length route he left the Italian “IVECO” of Massimo Biazon 7 min 6 sec and the Hollander Hans Stacey on MAN truck who was the third in category at this stage 9 min 37 sec behind. Firdaus Kabirov finished the fourth, 14 min 5 sec behind the leader. KAMAZ ¹ 514 team piloted by Sergey Reshetnikov was on the 8 th position. Three racing KAMAZ trucks had to battle against a large armada of the most famous world vehicle brands: 21 MAN, 20 Mercedes, 9 RENAULT, 5 IVECO, 4 TATRA. Among their pilots were a six-time Dakar winner the Czech Carel Lopraise on TATRA, Dakar Gold winners – the Austrian Peter Reif on MAN, the Italian Jacomo Wismara on Mercedes; dozens of winners in different times.

At this stage it seemed that Tchaguine’s KAMAZ was pulling all the ten and a half of trucks on a tough coupling, so close were leaders to each other. From start to finish. After not very successful results at European tour now Firdaus Kabirov was catching rally leaders. In spite difficulties from both road and racers he demonstrated the fourth time and passed from the 32 nd to the 8 th position upon overall ranking. “We start, in front of us there is a large number of vehicles – trucks and cars, - told Kabirov, - we passed the first ten vehicles very quickly. It was harder with the second one. But we managed to overtake them. And only when we rest on jeeps, the race turns almost into a mess.” Sergey Reshetnikov demonstrated driving acrobatics and moved from the 49 th to the 24 th place.

The route was new and unfamiliar to the participants and was noticeably complicated than it had been before. At this way one should be attentive not to make considerable mistakes in the navigation. That is why the work carried out yesterday by KAMAZ crew was exemplary: our racers were leading from the beginning till the end of the route passing all checkpoints. Within the first two stages advantage of KAMAZ 508 over Massimo Biazon (“IVECO”, ¹ 512), Andre de Azevedo (“Tatra”, ¹ 513) and Hans Stacey (“MAN”, ¹ 524) estimated in seconds. But at the 3d, the most difficult part, KAMAZ crew was significantly ahead.

The rally debutants consisting of Sergey Reshetnikov, Stanislav Konopko and Eduard Nikolaev had visibly caught up with the rest being 28 min 10 sec behind Tchaguine and received the 8 th place at this stage.

Tuesday, 03 January 2006

01/01/06 - Portimão > Malaga - 115 km - 567 km

It’s the second victory in a row of KAMAZ ¹ 508 among trucks. KAMAZ 508 crew consisted of Vladimir Tchaguine as a pilot, Semion Yakoubov as a navigator and Sergey Savostine as a mechanic. It took the crew 2 long hours and 1 second to negotiate the off-road of 115 special km to the way to Malaga.

Thus, having successfully gained two victories of the two European “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” rally stages Tchaguine’s crew was leading fixture list in truck category. The first to make it to the finish became Tchaguine’s KAMAZ ¹ 508. Firdaus Kabirov whose start number was 500 taxied out at this stage the 34 th.

So “Lisbon-Dakar 2006” account was open.

Monday, 02 January 2006

31/12/05 Lisboa > Portimão - 83 km - 370 km

475 participants of intercontinental rally, 232 motorcycles, 174 cars and 69 trucks, were newly set Dakar record. 108 cars and 129 trucks in the Assistance category provided sport cavalcade’s backing.

The 28 th rally’s major difference is in its sharp sport character. It lacks prologue and starts right several hours before the New Year Eve.

The first among tucks who leaved the “unfriendly” kilometers of the special was the team on KAMAZ-4911 consisting of Vladimir Tchaguine as a pilot, Semion Yakoubov as a navigator and Sergey Savostine as a mechanic.

Monday, 02 January 2006