Automotive History Online

Kamaz (Камский автомобильный завод - Камаз / Kamskiy avtomobilny zavod - Kama Automobile Zavod - Kamaz or KAMA Heavy-Duty Truck Production Plant) is a Tatar truck manufacturer located in Naberezhnye Chelny, Tatarstan, Russian Federation. KAMAZ assembled their first truck model in February 1976 and now, 30 years later, the heavy duty models are exported to many countries including Eastern Europe, China and North Africa. Its trucks are known for their simple design and robust appearance.

History

In 1969 the Central Committee of the CPSU and Ministerial council of the USSR decided to begin construction of factories for the manufacture of supersized cars in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny.

Such construction actually began on December 13, 1969, but the first KamAZ descended from the main assembly conveyor on February 16, 1976.

In 1987 the line for the manufacture of Oka midget cars (VAZ-1111) was created. The first car was let out on December 21, 1987.

On June 25, 1990 the production association was transformed into an open joint-stock company.

On April 14, 1993 a fire destroyed the Factory of engines KamAZ.

Until 2005, Kamaz had a major share in ZMA (Factory of Micro-displacement Cars) that produces the Oka microcar. It was sold to Severstal group

Kamaz vehicles have won the truck category of the Dakar Rally seven times.

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