CNH and KAMAZ Finalize Strategic Alliance in Russia

CNH Global NV and Russia's OJSC KAMAZ today announced that they have finalized their agreement for a commercial joint venture. This follows and completes the industrial partnership sealed last March, and forms a new alliance that has the resources, technology and distribution network required to support Russian customers more effectively with agricultural and construction machinery.

The commercial agreement was signed today in Moscow by Franco Fusignani, CNH International CEO, and Sergey Kogogin, General Director of OJSC KAMAZ. The new company, CNH-KAMAZ Commercial BV, of which CNH will hold a 51 percent share and KAMAZ the remaining 49 percent, will distribute and service agricultural and construction equipment in the Russian Federation. CNH-KAMAZ Commercial will begin operations immediately.

A preliminary agreement on the partnership was signed last October 2009 by Sergio Marchionne, Chairman of CNH Global NV and Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A., and by Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostechnologii, in the presence of Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. This was followed on March 22nd with the finalization of the related industrial joint venture to produce agricultural and construction equipment at the Naberezhnye Chelny plant, in the Republic of Tatarstan. Stretching over a total area of more than 50,000 square metres, the facility benefits from an initial investment of USD 70 Million to install an annual production capacity of 4,000 units, which will include tractors, combine harvesters and backhoe loaders. Assembly of New Holland Agriculture new tractor models T8050, T9040, T9060, ranging from 325hp to 535hp, as well as the 272hp CSX7060 and 300hp CSX7080 combine harvesters has already started at the Naberezhnye Chelny factory.

Within the new commercial joint venture, CNH and KAMAZ have agreed to take advantage of their well established distribution networks in order to further strengthen their presence in the market. CNH-KAMAZ Commercial, with its operations based in Moscow, will market and sell in the Russian market all New Holland locally produced and imported agricultural and construction equipment. CNH will provide the technology and know-how for commercial operations, including engineering support and counseling activities to ensure the venture meets CNH's global quality standards.

"This is a significant day not only for our companies but for the agricultural and construction equipment industry in Russia. The alliance with a partner as important as KAMAZ, a leading manufacturer in Russia, strengthens our strategy to establish a direct presence in a market that has enormous potential for growth." said Franco Fusignani, CNH International CEO. "The Russian market is a priority for us and this partnership brings us closer to our customers. This agreement gives us the opportunity to showcase our first-class technologies, broad product offering, innovative solutions and dedicated personnel, and to prove to Russian customers the value of our machinery. On this basis, we intend to expand the product portfolio of our CNH brands in Russia—followed by other CIS countries—with fuel-efficient, reliable and high-quality machinery, while improving the level of service, supporting a productive development of the agri-business and construction equipment sectors in the country."

"Our cooperation with CNH was supplemented with an important element: the new JV will promote the equipment produced in Naberezhnye Chelny, and provide customers with effective and comprehensive solutions. We are sure that our customers will appreciate services rendered by our JV at their true worth." said Sergey Kogogin, General Director of OJSC KAMAZ.

The alliance will allow the two firms to strengthen and synergize their resources in manufacturing and service to the benefit of the Russian agricultural and construction equipment sectors. In a first phase, the new venture will expand the New Holland branded product offerings that can count on a wide selection of low, medium and high-horsepower tractors, conventional and rotary combines, grape and forage harvesters, tillage and seeding complexes and a full spectrum of heavy construction and light industrial equipment for use in road building, quarrying, demolition, excavation, commercial building and maintenance operations.

REFERENCE:

CNH (Case New Holland) CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,600 dealers in 170 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CNH), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (FIA.MI). More information about CNH and its Case and New Holland products can be found online at www.cnh.com.

CNH in Russia - CNH operations in Russia date back to 1907, the year in which the first Case tractor was shipped to the country. Since then, the company has continued to strengthen its presence, with the opening of the first Moscow-based offices in 1998, as well as the development of a widespread distribution network. At the beginning of 2009, CNH opened a new spare parts depot centre near Moscow. CNH has historically been, and continues to be a leader in the combine and large tractor segment in Russia; in recent years, it has also quickly penetrated other agricultural and construction equipment segments.

OJSC KAMAZ is the largest Russian manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks. It takes the 11th place in truck production (of 14 t GVW) and the 8th place in diesel engines production in the world. KAMAZ Group consists of 96 enterprises, 13 of which are the main associated companies. The staff is about 59 000 employees. KAMAZ sales and service network covers all regions of Russia and the CIS, and also traditional outlets. There are 127 dealers and more than 100 firm service car centers. Trucks of GVW from 14 up to 40 tonnes, diesel and gas engines are the major products of OJSC KAMAZ. The trucks are used in the CIS, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America (more than 80 countries).

SC Rostechnologii. SC Rostechnologii was set up on November 23, 2007 by Federal Law of the Russian Federation. Its objective is to facilitate development, manufacturing and export of high-tech products by supporting - in the local and international markets - Russian organizations, developers and manufacturers of high-tech products, as well as by attracting foreign investments to various local industries.

Thursday, 27 May 2010

Best in Labour Quality

The unit of HRM and organization development of OJSC KAMAZ jointly with the workers’ trade-union committee named the company’s best subdivisions in the competition for the title “The Staff with High Quality Labour” according to the results of the first quarter of 2010.

Along with up-to-date HRM techniques of the leading world producers, tested expedients of moral and material encouragement which proved to be effective are also successfully used at KAMAZ. One of them is a traditional competition of the staffs of different subdivisions.

KAMAZavtotekhnika (Zainsk) became the winner in the first group of the competitors, among the plants of the single production string. The forge plant of KAMAZ-Metallurgy ranked second, Kama Frame and Stamping Plant took third place. In accordance with the Regulations of the competition for the title “The Staff with High Quality Labour”, the workers who made a weighty contribution to achievements of their plants will receive bonuses from the managers of the named subdivisions of KAMAZ.

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

KAMAZ – Sodexo: 1 Year Together

Sodexo, a well-known French company and a world leader in the scope of corporate catering, celebrated the first anniversary of its work at KAMAZ on 25 May.

A year ago, on May 25, 2009, the workers of the automobile plant were the first KAMAZ employees to taste fixed meals cooked according to the recipes and technologies of Sodexo.

Since then the number of people getting hot meals in KAMAZ dining halls has been growing month after month. This fact was noted by Mr. Kirill Puzyrkov, Deputy Director General of OJCS KAMAZ of HRM and Organization Development in his speech at the ceremonial reception in honour of the first anniversary of cooperation. He thanked Mr. Gilles Poirieux, Director of Sodexo in Eastern Europe and Edi Perisic, Director General of Sodexo-Eurasia who had specially arrived in Naberezhnye Chelny on the occasion of the first anniversary of the company’s work at KAMAZ. “Sodexo promptly reacts to the needs and desires of the staff and trade unions,” said Mr. Puzyrkov. “We count on our long-term cooperation with the partner.”

KAMAZ thoroughly chose pretenders to reorganize its corporate catering according to modern requirements to culture of service and applied technologies. Having won in the last year tender among 5 finalists, Sodexo received over 40 facilities providing with hot meals, including 20 dining halls to manage.

Sodexo celebrated the first anniversary of the work having organized the Day of French Cuisine in all facilities providing KAMAZ with hot meals. This innovation became customary for KAMAZ’s partner: earlier the workers of the plants and departments already tasted dishes of the Tatar and Russian cuisines.

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

CNH-KAMAZ Industrial JV Announces New Locally Built Models for Russia

Following the finalization of the Industrial agreement of last March 22nd between CNH and OJSC KAMAZ, the newly formed industrial joint venture has started the assembly of the New Holland Agriculture new tractor models T9060, T9040, T8050, with 535, 435 and 325 hp respectively, as well as the 300hp CSX7080 and the 272 hp CSX7060 combine harvesters at its Naberezhnye Chelny plant in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

Located 1,000 kilometers East of Moscow, the production site covers a total of over 50,000 square metres and will produce machinery to supply, at first, the Russian domestic market and afterwards other CIS countries. The initial planned investments of USD 70 million will serve to install an annual production capacity of 4,000 units.

"In recent years, the need for machines and tools that achieve higher levels of efficiency has been increasing as the demand for high productive equipment has been growing. In response to this need, New Holland is making available on the Russian market its tractors and combine harvesters which offer best in class performance in each task they are called upon." Roberto Valfré Commercial Business Director of New Holland Agriculture for Russia, explains, “The growing interest in New Holland’s tractors and combines was the driver behind the localisation of production in Russia. We decided to be closer to our customers and today the most modern combine harvesters and advanced tractors are made in Russia."

As expected with New Holland Agriculture, these models bristle with latest technology to ensure that productivity is always at the highest levels.

T9040 and T9060: Longer Wheelbase and Centre-Pull Design for More Power

The T9000 Series is the most powerful tractor range in the current New Holland Agriculture's line up. The power flagship T9000 Series 4WD tractors are engineered to combine horsepower, large, rugged transmissions and efficient hydraulics for the ultimate in high performance. Confidently they pull the widest implements and tillage tools, even in the toughest conditions, with maximum comfort and control. The T9040 (435hp) and T9060 (535hp), currently New Holland's best sellers in Russia, set the standards in their class thanks to their centre pull design that allows an efficient use of the exceptional power and torque these tractors can count on. A series of technological innovations completes and makes these tractors best in class to the benefit of customers.

Designed to perform - Center Pull advantage: T9000s' leading pull performance and operator comfort is delivered via a long wheel base of 3,910 mm and a unique centrally mounted drawbar which helps with load distribution between front and rear wheels, ensuring stability, and enabling the T9000s to deliver power where it counts – at the drawbar. As consequence, the tractor offers a more efficient pulling power and can tow wider and heavier implements. Moreover, T9040 and T9060 tractors are fitted with Heavy Duty axles to grant the highest possible durability with the largest implements.

Power and Torque - up to 535 hp and 40% torque rise: Equipped with fuel-efficient Tier III compliant engine and biodiesel approved, the T9040 model uses a 13 litre Cursor engine with a peak power of 478hp, while T9060 runs a 15 litre engine. Thanks to an impressive power growth of up 54 Hp and a 40 per cent torque rise, these tractors have the capacity to pull large, heavy equipment without downshifting. A unique in the industry, the range-topping T9060 tractor features the optional Engine Hydraulic Power Boost - Constant Power Plus ™- providing up to an additional 35 horsepower over the standard engine. When power is being utilised through the hydraulic remotes, the engine power is allowed to grow. The T9060 with hydraulic power boost delivers at the rated speed of 2,100 rpm, 570 horsepower. At 1,800 rpm, when maximum power and fuel economy are attained, this tractor achieves a peak 610 hp.

Hydraulic superiority - up to 356 L/min.: New Holland 4WDs are known for their hydraulic power, and T9000 tractors deliver the huge flow and instantaneous response needed to run high-demand implements. The optional MegaFlow™ system provides an outstanding 341-liter-per-minute flow, with the T9060 providing an even higher industry leading 356-L/min. flow. The two pump of the MegaFlow™ system meet the demand of power-hungry implements such as air seeders and laser land-leveling equipment giving the flexibility to handle multiple functions simultaneously without a drop-off in performance.

Comfort at every level - 16x2 full powershift transmissions and IntelliSteer™ auto-steering system: The massive power of the T9000 is matched by a 16x2 full powershift transmissions that features electronic pulse-width-modulated clutch control for ultra-smooth shifts. It’s the best shifting quality of any 4WD tractor. For optimum tractor performance and fuel economy, the powershift also features the AutoShift™ function to minimise manual shifting during field and road operations.

For even greater convenience and control, T9000 tractors are available with factory-installed IntelliSteer™ auto-steering system; the system automatically guides the tractor in straight lines with an accuracy of 2.5 cm at speeds up to 29 km/hr.

Comfort is also ensured with industry's largest cab, featuring a quiet and spacious workspace and finger-tip controls. The cab offers unmatched visibility and exceptional comfort is delivered via the AutoComfort seat which automatically adjusts to provide shock absorption on uneven ground. Custom Headland Management is standard equipment too, allowing operator to record and repeat complex headland adjustments with the push of a switch.

T8050: Perfect Balance of Weight and Power

The T8050 with its 325hp is the most powerful model in this range. It owes its success in the Russian market to its perfect balance in terms of power output, size and reliability to fully match the needs of large farmers for high power conventional tractors.

Long wheelbase architecture: T8000’s unique long wheelbase architecture earns it the favor of most customers who appreciate its outstanding drawbar pull. Thanks to a long wheelbase architecture of 3,078 mm, in standard configuration, and 3,284 with SuperSteer™ and balanced weight distribution, the T8050 achieves the highest traction needed to pull the largest implements, typical of the vast fields of Russia, with the minimum fuel consumption while ensuring a very tight turn radius (5 m). The T8050 can be matched to a 12 m air drill.

Industry leading engine performance - up to 358 hp: T8050, through its state-of-the-art 9 litres 6 cylinder Common Rail engine, delivers a rated power of 325hp (270 PTO hp) with a peak power of 358 hp and 40% torque reserve.

Full Powershift transmission: This is the highest horsepower conventional tractor with a full powershift gearbox available in the industry. Exactly what is needed to the Russian large acreage farmers to achieve the best performances optimizing their investment. The 18 forward and 4 reverse speed transmission, with electronic management and Autoshift™ feature, always enables the operator to find the perfect match for his application.

Hydraulic flexibility - up to 284 l/min: New Holland’s best-in-class hydraulic flow is up to 167 litres per minute (l/min) standard and 284 l/min with the exclusive dual-circuit MegaFlow™ option. It is a high-volume system designed to easily handle the most advanced seeders and specialty equipment. Three-point hitch lift capacity is available up to 8,432 kg.

Superior comfort and visibility: The large, quiet T8050 cab keeps the operators performing at their best with more glass and 360-degree visibility. Eye-level instrumentation is easy to read at a glance and ergonomically placed to make operation smooth and easy.

Performance instrumentation and the Custom Headland Management system, puts a wealth of information at operator's fingertips and provides pushbutton control of complex headland turns. Every T8050 tractor leaves the factory ready to accept the optional IntelliSteer™ auto steering system.

CSX7060 and CSX7080: Advanced Technology for Versatile Harvesters

The New Holland CSX7060 and CSX7080 combine harvesters, the latter being the most powerful combine in this range, are the preferred choice of arable and mixed farmers, looking for high capacity harvesters equipped with advanced technology in an affordable package, offering the best and cost effective harvesting solution in all crops, conditions and terrains. A comfortable cab allows unmatched visibility and a full control needed for top performance.

An ideal working place - New Holland provides the best combine cab in this segment. Everything is built around the operator to put him at the very heart of the combine’s operation. The cab features excellent ergonomics to boost productivity and reduce fatigue with low noise and a high comfort air-suspended seat coming as standard. The wide curved window has no restrictions for a total view over the crop and header. The large screen IntelliView II™ colour monitor provides all the performance information necessary for top performance. A comprehensive range of applications can be selected using the easy to use navigation buttons.

Four drum technology - The five straw walker CSX7060 and the six straw walker CSX7080 are equipped with the four-drum technology: threshing drum with Opti-Thresh™ concave, beater, Multi-Thresh TM Rotary Separator, and Straw Flow™ beater. Hugely versatile, the system can be adapted to suit a wide variety of crops and different harvesting conditions with no compromise in kernel and straw quality or throughput.

The Rotary Separator with Multi-Tresh system and Straw Flow™ beater boast throughput. New Holland invented the Rotary Separator, with purpose designed lugs creating a dual rubbing and movement action that forces threshed grain from the straw mat. The fully adjustable Multi-Thresh™ system allows the Rotary Separator concave to be easily adjusted to suit changing crop conditions, with two speeds to handle any available crop and with two positions that create additional separation capacity or better straw quality. A separate Straw Flow™ beater changes the direction of crop flow and ensures high throughput is maintained in damp crop conditions. The system passes an even mat of straw to the walkers to optimise final grain separation.

The Opti-Thresh™ system offers a major concave setting facility. To adapt the rubbing requirement to harvest conditions such as grain maturity and yield, the rear part of the Opti-Thresh™ concave can be re-positioned. When in the closed position the concave reaches a full 121 degree of wrap and offers maximum grain separation. When the top section, which is hinged, is moved away from the 60cm drum, the rubbing action is softer. This results in even better straw quality.

Superior Header Offering - A dedicated wide range of grain and maize headers is available to optimise performance and to exactly match farmer requirements, including VariFeed™ grain headers, corn headers, sun flower headers, drapers and pick-ups. These headers are extremely versatile in varied conditions, allowing a high field speed and optimum crop flow, for maximum productivity even in heavy crops. New Holland maize headers and their integrated stalk choppers are widely recognized as best in class. Headers of up to 7.32 m for the CSX7060 and of up to 9.15 m for the CSX7080 are available.

Power and fuel efficient engines – Both the CSX7060 (272 hp) and the CSX7080 (300 hp) are powered by fuel efficient FPT Cursor 9 Common Rail Tier III compliant engines. These units are ideally suited to tough harvest conditions, harvesting up to 600-1000 hectares per season depending on the average yields.

Tank Capacity: up to 9,000 L - A high grain tank capacity, of 7,500 litres on the CSX7060 and of 9,000 on the CSX7080, allows long periods of work between unloading.

REFERENCE:

New Holland Agriculture - New Holland Agriculture is a global manufacturer and seller of agricultural equipment. Its reputation is built on the success of its customers, cash crop producers, livestock farmers, contractors, vineyards, or groundscare professionals, who can count on the widest offering of innovative products and services: a full line of equipment, from tractors to harvesting, material handling equipment, complemented by tailored financial services from a specialist in agriculture.

A highly professional global dealer network and New Holland’s commitment to excellence guarantee the ultimate customer experience for every customer. More information can be found online at www.newholland.com New Holland is a division of CNH Global N.V. (NYSE:CNH), a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A (FIA.MI).

CNH (Case New Holland)

CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,600 dealers in 170 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CNH), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (FIA.MI). More information about CNH and its Case and New Holland products can be found online at www.cnh.com.

CNH in Russia - CNH operations in Russia date back to 1907, the year in which the first Case tractor was shipped to the country. Since then, the company has continued to strengthen its presence, with the opening of the first Moscow-based offices in 1998, as well as the development of a widespread distribution network. At the beginning of 2009, CNH opened a new spare parts depot centre near Moscow. CNH has historically been, and continues to be a leader in the combine and large tractor segment in Russia; in recent years, it has also quickly penetrated other agricultural and construction equipment segments.

OJSC KAMAZ is the largest Russian manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks. It takes the 11th place in truck production (of 14 t GVW) and the 8th place in diesel engines production in the world. KAMAZ Group consists of 96 enterprises, 13 of which are the main associated companies. The staff is about 59 000 employees. KAMAZ sales and service network covers all regions of Russia and the CIS, and also traditional outlets. There are 127 dealers and more than 100 firm service car centers. Trucks of GVW from 14 up to 40 tonnes, diesel and gas engines are the major products of OJSC KAMAZ. The trucks are used in the CIS, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America (more than 80 countries).

Monday, 24 May 2010

KAMAZ Board of Directors Meeting

On 21 May the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of OJSC KAMAZ took place in Moscow.

Representatives of the company’s owners summed up the results of the 2010 business plan execution of KAMAZ organizations for the first quarter.

The majority of other agenda items of the meeting concerned the questions of preparation for the annual KAMAZ Shareholders Meeting which will be held on June 25, 2010. Particularly, the annual report and annual account of OJSC KAMAZ for 2009 were tentatively approved.

The agenda of the annual KAMAZ Shareholders Meeting was discussed and approved, draft decisions on the agenda items of the annual Shareholders Meeting were proposed.

It was recommended that the annual KAMAZ Shareholders Meeting should approve favourable decisions on liability insurance of the members of the Board of Directors, the members of the Board of Management, and Direcotr General of OJSC KAMAZ – in accordance with Art. 81 and 83 in the Federal Law “On Joint-Stock Companies”.

The Board of Directors of OJSC KAMAZ also discussed issues of the company’s current activity. Mr. Eugeny Pronin, Deputy Director General of OJSC KAMAZ of Sales and Service who had took up this position in February 2010 was appointed member of the Board of Management of OJSC KAMAZ.

Friday, 21 May 2010

Dealers will Promote New KAMAZ Model Line

On 20 May KAMAZ dealers’ conference took place in KAMAZ’s representative office in Moscow.

The theme conference conducted by KAMAZ Trade and Finance Company (OAO TFK KAMAZ) was devoted to the work of the company’s dealer and service network with its corporative clients in accordance with modern requirements. Managers and specialists of the largest KAMAZ dealers which represent the main sale regions and have their own subdealer and service network participated in it.

Mr. Oleg Glazkov, Deputy Director General of OAO TFK KAMAZ brought the basic provisions of the KAMAZ general director’s order “On the Work with Corporative Clients of OJSC KAMAZ” to the company’s partners’ notice and presented the 2010 modernized model line of KAMAZ trucks.

Mr. Leonid Ozhegov, Deputy Director General of OAO TFK KAMAZ of Service told about peculiarities of after-sales service of KAMAZ trucks with an increased warranty period, their acceptance and presales preparation. Mr. Konstantin Polyakov, Director General of OOO Naberezhnochelninsky Auto Center KAMAZ made a speech too.

Mr. Ashot Arutyunyan, Director of Marketing and Advertising of OJSC KAMAZ brought a uniform presentation for corporative clients to the dealers’ attention and set forth the company’s program for promotion of the new model line on the market. The KAMAZ specialists made a versatile report about the specific character of the work with corporative clients and answered the dealers’ questions. Issues of cooperation in promotion of KAMAZ leasing products were also discussed.

Friday, 21 May 2010

KAMAZ: Security is Our Work

OJSC KAMAZ participated in the third International Salon of security equipment “Complex Safety-2010” which was held from 18 to 21 May 2010 on the territory of Moscow and Moscow Region.

KAMAZ presented models of its production proved to be reliable and excellent: a unique product developed by KAMAZ designers – KAMAZ-43269 Vystrel armoured vehicle, KAMAZ-5350 vehicle with an armoured cab and a functional unit. Also presented were new products – TZA-Magirus AC 8000 fire-fighting vehicle on the basis of KAMAZ-65225-63 (6x6) multipurpose chassis and the company’s promising product – ED100-T400-1RP diesel portable electrical power plant.

Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations was among the main organizers of this exhibition where the latest developments and innovative technologies in the sphere of security were presented. The Ministry of Emergency Situations is an important partner of KAMAZ which remains the largest truck producer in the Russian Federation, a guarantor of transport safety of Russia and one of the main suppliers of automobile equipment for security, defence and law enforcement agencies. To date the Ministry of Emergency Situations is armed with more than 3.5 thousand units of special equipment on the basis of KAMAZ chassis, and the structures of the Ministry actually need about 5 thousand units. It enables to expect that the Ministry of Emergency Situations will remain one of the main customers of KAMAZ production in the nearest future.

The strategic development program of OJSC KAMAZ till 2018 provides for production of a new model line featuring customer properties and technical-and-economic characteristics meeting the world requirements. Therefore, in the nearest future the company will present models of modernized special equipment to potential partners.

Friday, 21 May 2010

KAMAZ – Transneft: Cooperation Continues

On 20 May the delegation of OAO AK Transneft, the largest Russian oil transportation holding, worked at KAMAZ.

The holding was represented by managers and specialists of transport departments of the management company and doughter enterprises in the Russian regions and cities – Moscow, St. Petersburg, Bryansk, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Novorossiysk, Samara, Omsk, Tomsk, Tyumen, Ufa, the Komi Republic, Primorsky Krai, Irkutsk and Moscow Oblasts.

OAO AK Transneft is one of KAMAZ’s substantial clients; the both companies also jointly develop automotive equipment for oil-and-gas producing industries. The partners met a year ago and in November 2009. Then they discussed issues of their cooperation to realize new business development projects of AK Transneft. This time they talked about the further cooperation development in terms of realization of the agreements reached earlier to meet the requirements of Transneft enterprises in modern kinds of vehicles and special automotive equipment on KAMAZ chassis of the model range-2010.

The guests saw an exhibition of KAMAZ, Daimler and CNH automotive equipment and new models of special equipment for oil-and-gas producing industries in KAMAZ’s R&D Center. The models demonstrated their road performance, and their test drive was held in a sandpit. The transport workers also visited RIAT and RaRiTEK – KAMAZ’ partners in Naberezhnye Chelny which make special equipment for oil-and-gas producing industries, vehicles, buses and other gas-powered vehicles.

Then a round-table meeting was held with the participation of KAMAZ’s leading specialists in the general directorare of OJSC KAMAZ. The results of cooperation between KAMAZ and Transneft for last year were summed up. Mr. Danis Valeev, KAMAZ’s Chief Designer, presented restyled models of KAMAZ vehicles and their advanced options for oil-and-gas producing enterprises, and Oleg Ershov, Director General of KAMAZ Trade and Finance Company, presented suggested by the company schemes of the partners’ cooperation with plants producing special equipment. Other managers and specialists of KAMAZ and its foreign partners also spoke there.

Thursday, 20 May 2010

KAMAZ Vehicles for Russian Far East

OJSC KAMAZ establishes an enterprise for assembly of its vehicles and special equipment in Khabarovsk – the first one on Russia’s territory.

The assembly enterprise with estimated capacity of 200-250 vehicles a year will be located on the basis of the Khabarovsk Auto Center KAMAZ – the company’s largest official dealer and partner rendering all kinds of services in the Russian Far East.

Buses, vehicles with crane-manipulators, insulated vans, side vehicles and other models of KAMAZ automotive equipment will be assembled in Khabarovsk.

One of the reasons for this decision is that because of oversized cargoes (an extended wheelbase, a high roof, etc.) and, naturally, higher fares a single transportation of KAMAZ automotive equipment on railroads to the country’s eastern parts from Naberezhnye Chelny is much more expensive than delivery of chassis and the main parts of assembly sets in batches.

KAMAZ will deliver only chassis and OEM components to Khabarovsk, and the JV will purchase components, units and other special articles from local producers with KAMAZ license. It will also enable to cut down transport charges and reduce timing of orders from the company’s customers in the Russian Far East.

The project of the enterprise appraised by experts and lately approved by Director General of OJSC KAMAZ will completely be realized within 6 months – till the end of October 2010. According to the experts, it wil be repaid within three years. Besides, mastering a new scope of activity will enable to improve economic indexes of the auto center keeping unused working areas running at full capacity and optimizing overhead charges. 20 highly skilled specialists of the Khabarovsk Auto Center KAMAZ have already been trained and certified to work at the JV. The Khabarovsk Auto Center is supposed to realize a part of finished products independently.

Being the guarantor of Russia’s transport safety, KAMAZ plans to successfully resist invasion of used automotive equipment, low-quality, insecure to operate vehicles produced by a number of Asian manufacturers into the market of the Russian Far East.

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Romanian Ambassador Visited KAMAZ

On 18 May Mr. Constantin Grigore, Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in the Russian Federation, visited KAMAZ.

Mr. Yury Klochkov, First Deputy Director General of OJSC KAMAZ, received the high guest in the company’s executive directorate. Then Mr. Constantin Grigore saw the mother assembly line and the cab assembly line of the automobile plant and visited the enterprises of the Kama Industrial Park Master. During the tour of KAMAZ’s production facilities he was accompanied by their top manager – Mr. Ildus Bayanov and Mr. Maksim Steblov.

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Tatarstan’s President Thanked KAMAZ

Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan sent the employees of OJSC KAMAZ the Note of Thanks.

The Order of the RT President says that the management of Tatarstan highly appreciates KAMAZ employees’ fruitful work and the enterprise’s great contribution to industrial, economical and social development in Tatarstan.

The Note of Thanks was given to Sergey Kogoghin, Director General of OJSC KAMAZ at the solemn reception in Kazan devoted to the 20th anniversary of Association of Enterprises and Enterpreneurs of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Friday, 14 May 2010

KAMAZ Moves to West

KAMAZ presented its machinery to the Western consumer at the “Autostrada Polska” trade fair in Kielce, Poland.

KAMAZ worked with its official distributor – KAMAZ TRUCKS POLSKA – at the exhibition. The Polish partner of KAMAZ has got its own dealer network, service and technological basis, showroom, finished vehicles store and works with the Polish leading leasing companies. An intensive campaign to create a new image of KAMAZ trucks in Europe is in progress under the motto “KAMAZ – NEW GENERATION”.

OJSC KAMAZ is planning to ship the first trucks and vehicles fitted with Euro-5 Cummins engines to Poland as early as this year. Upgraded KAMAZ trucks feature the best automotive know-how: ZF gearbox, Sachs clutch, BOSCH fuel injection system, KNORR-BREMSE or WABCO braking system, RBL steering system. Advanced technology and affordable cost will be instrumental for success in Europe, and in particular, on the Polish market.

An inherent element of KAMAZ vehicles’ new generation is a modernized cab making KAMAZ vehicles look modern and improving their operational characteristics, as well as a driver’s safety and comfort. The visitors of the exhibition saw the upgraded KAMAZ vehicles proved to be excellent in Russia and abroad.

KAMAZ-65115 Dumper

KAMAZ-65115 dump truck (6õ4) with a modernized cab attracted the Polish audience’s attention. This is the most popular “anti-crisis” model of KAMAZ heavy trucks, the head of the line of KAMAZ modernized vehicles. Russia’s first eight-wheel KAMAZ-6540 dumper with a restyled cab designed for transportation of various construction and industrial cargoes on the roads intended for vehicles with an axial load of up to 10 tonnes was presented at the exhibition. A new product of serial production 2009 – all-wheel-drive single-wheel KAMAZ-65222 dump truck (6x6) with 19.5-ton load capacity is of particular interest. The first specimens of a new model have already received specialists’ and customers’ high appraisal. The vehicle was named the best product of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2009 in the nomination “Production for Industrial and Engineering Purposes” and the winner in the competition of the program “100 Best Products of Russia” for achievements in the sphere of quality assuarance of domestic products.

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

KNORR-BREMSE KAMA Launches New Line

On 7 May a line for production of torsional vibration dampers for KAMAZ trucks and vehicles by other Russian auto producers was launched at the joint Russian-German enterprise KNORR-BREMSE KAMA in Naberezhnye Chelny.

Sergey Kogoghin, Director General of OJSC KAMAZ, Heinz Hermann Thiele, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Knorr-Bremse AG, Istvan Lepsenyi, Director General of Knorr-Bremse (Hungary), Chairman of the Board of Directors of OOO KNORR-BREMSE KAMA, Manfred Kindermann, Director General of OOO KNORR-BREMSE KAMA participated in the ceremony.

Torsional vibration dampfers are used as for truck engines. Like all other products of the JV, they will be delivered to the Russian auto components market.

The production and commercial activity of OOO KNORR-BREMSE KAMA, the best supplier most successfully fitted into KAMAZ’s purchasing system, according to the results of 2009, lasts less than two years. Officially, the JV was launched on October 28, 2008. At the beginning of its production activity 74 people worked at KNORR-BREMSE KAMA occupying the total area of 4 thousand square meters. In April 2010 the number of employees achieved 97 people. Till the end of this year it is planned to employ 30-50 people more. In 2009 the JV became one of few enterprises in the Russian automobile industry which steadily increased their product yield.

Basic products to the tune of 792 million roubles and spare parts to the tune of 4 million roubles were delivered to KAMAZ last year. In all KAMAZ have received more than 170 units from the JV. To date KNORR-BREMSE KAMA assembles 42 models of drum brakes for vejhicles and specialized equipment.

Production localization is successfully being carried out. One of the projects realized in this area was purchasing of equipment for processing of brake calipers, the main details of drum brakes. These machines were mounted and set up; in 2010 they will be used for machining process at full capacity. The capacity of four machines is intended for production of no less than 600 details a day which fully satisfy the current plans of KAMAZ production.

During the first calendar year of its activity OOO KNORR-BREMSE KAMA achieved break-even. This made it possible to begin the next stage of investment in production development. In 2010 speed-up by 32% is planned, also due to manufacture of three new kinds of products. Thus, deliveries of drum brake gears to NEFAZ – for buses, trailers and semitrailers – started this year. There are also other projects of cooperation with bus producers – for example, with KAVZ (Kurgan) and PAZ (Pavlovo). Germany’s KNORR-BREMSE plans to share its knowledge and experience in production with the JV in Naberezhnye Chelny.

Production quality is always being improved at KNORR-BREMSE KAMA. KAMAZ awarded the enterprise in the nomination “For Perfect Quality” according to the results of 2009.

Friday, 07 May 2010

Tatarstan’s Prime Minister Visited KAMAZ

On 4 May, for the first time in the capacity of Tatarstan’s Prime Minister, Ildar Khalikov visited enterprises and firms established on KAMAZ’s production areas in Naberezhnye Chelny.

The former mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny, now the head of the Tatarstan Government, Ildar Khalikov thoroughly studied the situation at these enterprises. Accompanied by Kirill Puzyrkov, Deputy Director General of OJSC KAMAZ of HRM and Organizational Development, Deputy of the Tatarstan State Council, the guest visited joint ventures CUMMINS KAMA, KNORR-BREMSE KAMA, small- and medium-size enterprises located on the areas of the Kama Industrial Park Master, and the Center of Auto Racing of the KAMAZ-master team.

Tuesday, 04 May 2010