KAMAZ SHOCKS: Own bridge plant—farewell, China and Germany

The solemn ceremony took place on the day of the 50th anniversary of the plant's first car release. The new line will produce key components for the flagship K5 series and the classic K3.

The volume of investments in equipment and production launch amounted to 6.5 billion rubles. The site unites 11 workshops of a single technological chain with a total area of over 130 thousand m². Now KAMAZ independently produces front axles, drive bridges, including electric ones—all critically important running gear components.

Previously, the situation with bridges was the Achilles' heel of the auto giant. The flagship K5 lineup was originally designed for hypoid bridges from German Daimler. After cooperation ceased in 2022, it was necessary to urgently switch to Chinese analogs HanDe. This solution ensured production but maintained dependence on currency risks and logistics.

The launch of its own line almost four years after the break with Daimler ensures technological sovereignty in running gear matters. Now K5 trucks have become fully Russian not only in frame and engine but also in bridges, which sharply increases localization.

The project strengthens KAMAZ's positions in the heavy machinery market. Own production reduces cost, increases reliability and competitiveness of equipment. Russia is reaching new heights of import substitution in a strategic industry.

However, the issue with transmissions remains open. German ZF Traxon left, replaced by Chinese Fast Gear. There is no own automated transmission of this class in serial production yet—this is KAMAZ's next goal.

The auto giant's strategic step demonstrates the successful implementation of the “Import Substitution” national project. KAMAZ is confidently moving towards 100% localization of all key components, strengthening the country's economic security. The bridge plant will become a reliable base for the export breakthrough of Russian trucks.

Production is already gaining momentum, supplying components for new models. This is a triumph of domestic mechanical engineering, proving Russia's ability to replace any Western technologies.