During the first week of September, there were two major trade shows in Moscow dedicated to powertrain and vehicles. They are Interauto (automotive components, service equipment, spare parts), and Comtrans (commercial on-highway vehicles).
The events were conducted in Crocus Expo Moscow, September 6-7. Comtrans was the one which drew the most interest because it’s such a large international show.
This year, the fair occupied more than 44,000 square meters and offered 230 exhibitors from 12 countries. The largest number of participants, besides Russian companies, were from China and Turkey. They also were grouped in national pavilions. Larger companies, like FAW, Weichai, Yutong maintained their own large stand-alone expositions. Europe was presented by the companies from Germany, Belgium, Italy and Finland.
Walking the Moscow Comtrans Show
Comtrans Show in Moscow
Renault and Volvo stands from the top
Cummins-Kama engine range Gazel NN with WV engine Hyundai CNG truck – local made Italian Tekne 4WD vehicle KAMAZ Arctic articulated off-road truck KAMAZ racking truck Renault trucks – assembled in Russia SIMAZ local bus on Isuzu base Weichai engines close look
Volvo gas engine
The “Big 7” of international truck makers were here, except for DAF. It’s important to note that DAF is the only company of the “Big 7” which does not have assembly facilities in Russia. The other companies – Volvo, Scania, Renault, MAN, Mercedes, Iveco – all make trucks in Russia.
In my opinion, the most interesting exposition was presented by Volvo, mainly because the OEM brought its electric driverless on-road tractor, Vera. The vehicle looks like it just rolled out of a futuristic movie. According to Volvo, these vehicles are already working on regular basis.
Russian makers also brought a good expositions. KAMAZ was the clear leader here, putting together the largest exposition. It took about 10% of the entire fair, and about half of the outdoor exposition. Besides its racing truck and a large number of regular applications, the OEM introduced a new vehicle, an articulated dumper on large low-pressure tires for operations in the Arctic. The vehicle is said to operate outside off-road, in swamps and permafrost, with minimum affect in the environment.
GAZ group also shown several new products. YAMZ Euro-6 engine of own development, several NG, engines, new Gazelle NN with VW engine, electric van.
The business program of the fair was coordinated by AEB and dedicated to various topics including perspectives of Russian and global markets, optional fuel for commercial vehicles, and infrastructure of on-road logistics, including driverless operations, etc.
Also participating were the directors and top managers of many large truck makers.
The fair also was attended by Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, who, during the visit, promised to assign a budget to support automotive industry in Russia. PSR
