COMTRANS 2011 Show report on Biglorryblog...my beloved spies bring you the best of Russian lorries!
The World is getting smaller every day---especially when it comes to truck shows! Thanks to one of Biglorryblog's roving reporters I can bring you a picture round-up of the recent massive COMTRANS Show in Moscow which attracted many visitors from around the globe as well as all the big chassis manufacturers including all the local truck makers like the one above. And for a pie who makes this bonneted beastie?
At COMTRANS Daimler-Benz and Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz presented another milestone in their on-going partnership--the first showing of their jointly-developed range of heavies featuring Daimler Trucks' components modfied by Kamaz for the Russian market.
I doun't know about you but I find this an attractive looking 'fleet-size' cab. And in order to produce the new Kamaz truck, Daimler says: "The two partners will work together even more closely in the future. In addition to the axle joint venture concluded in December 2010, Daimler Trucks and Kamaz will closely collaborate on truck cabs in the future." Indeed both partners signed a memorandum of understanding during the show which will see Mercedes-Benz will begin delivering cabs to Kamaz in the second half of 2012. And Mercedes adds:"Later on, the cabs will be assembled at the Kamaz production plant in Chelny in the Russian republic of Tatarstan and will subsequently be industrially manufactured at the plant. The new Kamaz truck series featuring components from Daimler Trucks which will go into effect in Russia in 2014, meets the Euro-5 emissions limit."
Talking of local manufacturers here's another one---MAZ from
But it was this bonneted behemoth on outside display that really grabbed the vistors' attention. The 60-tonne GCW MAZ 6440PA/97583 tractor is powered by a locally-produced Euro-4 spec V8 big banger that delivers 600hp and 2,500Nm of torque.with a six-speed Allison auto behind it....impressed? BLB is!
Of course if you're talking real BIG bangers the latest Vovo FH16-750 takes some beating (especially by Scania's R Series V8 with a 'mere 730hp) but that's what it's all about. I understand that COMTRANS was the first public showing of the 'World's most powerful series production truck' -- which shows just how important the OEMs place on the rapidly-expanding Russian truck market...
Likewise this display of extra-tough multi-wheelers at COMTRANS from the men from Munich. When it comes to tipper operations in Russia the emphasis is definitely on 'heavy duty!
Naturally, the size and reach of the COMTRANS show also attracted the truck makers from the East too...like FAW from China which showed this smart LEFT-hand-drive (sorry guys I must have sufered from brain-fade there BLB) eight-legger with a nicely curvaceous cab....not sure what goes under the hood. Perhaps one of my beloved anoraks can provide more information?
Talking of Chinese manufacturers Dong-Feng was there too with its latest six-wheeler. Click through with this link to see some great video ads for the company too http://www.dfmc.com.cn/product/videoAds_en.aspx
Meanwhile FOTON had this little Cummns-powered four-wheeler on display--built as a left-hooker...and wasn't FOTON going to sell a Cummins-powered tractor in Europe?
It wasn't only trucks on show either at COMTRANS as there were plenty of light commercials too, including this selection of little 'uns from GAZ...which has signed a agreement with Mercedes to produce Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in Russia. Plans also call for local production of engines, transmissions, axles, and other components, which will then be used in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and GAZ product portfolio...
Iveco also took the opportunity to unveil its latest Daily range at COMTRANS--make no mistake about it, The Russian truck show will be the biggest in Europe in 2011...
In fact walking around the stands you bumped it not all sorts of unusual vehicles you wouldn't have expected to find...
Like this Otosan Ford Cargo from Turkey...
But amidst the glamour of all the new launches there were still the odd one or two 'Old School' Eastern European wagons around like this one...and for a pie which cab is it based on?
And this impressive KAMAZ off-roader has a cabin that looks vaguely familiar too--rather like the old VW LT cab don't you think?
So with over 320 exhibitors and some 20,000 visitors COMTRANS could well become a serious 'European' show alongside the IAA in Hanover---certainly the size of the Russian truck market is enough to draw in the truck, van and trailer makers in the years to come. And if you don't believe me consider these facts.
According to ASM Holding information, for the first six months of 2011