Daimler Signs Axles Deal with Kamaz

The love story between German producer Daimler and the Russians from Kamaz has not lost its momentum. On the contrary, Daimler claims it's all milk and honey in Russia and announced late last week the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian partner.

The new deal will see Daimler supply axles for the trucks produced by the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Vostok joint venture. According to the plan, the Germans will also be supplying, sometime in the future, axles and components for non-drive front axle systems and one- and two-stage rear drive axle systems.

“The joint venture will supply axles to Kamaz as well as to the joint venture Mercedes-Benz Trucks Vostok,” said Stefan Buchner, the man responsible for procurement and global powertrain operations at Daimler Trucks. “This step underscores Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ desire to expand its global component manufacturing network in Russia as well.”

Daimler and Kamaz drew more and more closer together this year, following the MoU signed in February. Their collaboration continued with the expansion of the Daimler stake in Kamaz in June and the establishment of two joint ventures Fuso Kamaz Trucks Rus and Mercedes-Benz Trucks Vostok (currently, Daimler owns 11 percent of Kamaz, together with partner companies Russian Technologies and the EBRD). Production at the two operations is already under way.

“I’m delighted that the strategic partnership between Daimler Trucks and Kamaz has been further strengthened by this MoU and that our joint venture company will also supply axle components to Germany in the future,” added Kamaz general director Sergei Kogogin.