Kamaz looking to turn corner

Russian Truck maker, Kamaz says it’s prepared to give analytical support to troubled car maker Avtovaz, after Avtovaz owner Rostechnologies called for them to move into a single holding.

A new larger company would make it easier to secure loans for Avtovaz, which has warned it is close to bankruptcy. But in an interview with RT, Kamaz’s marketing chief, Ashot Arutyunayan says the future looks bright on its own, with sales already nearing pre-crisis levels.

AA: Usually we were selling for around 4,000 trucks a month for Russian market. In October 2008 sales halved, then in November 2008 sales halved again, to 1,000. Now for the end of this year, we are selling approximately 3,000 trucks a month. It’s not at pre-crisis levels, but it’s only 25% less.

RT: What sales growth do you see in 2010 and 2011?

AA: 2010 will be very hard, I’m waiting for 10%, maybe 15%, growth in the truck market, no more, in Russia. We will try to sell 4,000 trucks in foreign markets, and 24-25,000 trucks in Russian market. will be much more increase, of about 30%.

RT: Do you support a merger between Kamaz and Avtovaz?

AA: If our colleagues from Avtovaz will need any help, I mean some technological help, or some analytical help in any way, we can do it, but I think that's all.