Daimler Truck AG, the German developer and builder of heavy trucks bearing the iconic three-pointed star, has not yet confirmed any renewed cooperation with KAMAZ. It is worth recalling that the German corporation supplies KAMAZ with engines and axles for the Chelny factories’ K4-series trucks, and also participates in the production of cabins for the K5-series trucks.
In early March, Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz halted their operations in Russia. Reports surfaced that Daimler Truck severed its ties with KAMAZ, alongside news about a sale of a 15% stake in KAMAZ that Daimler Truck previously held. Yet, during a March 24 press conference, Martin Daum, the head of the German company, clarified that such a sale was not feasible at this time, saying Reuters quoted him plainly: “Of course we are not in negotiations with the Russian authorities… We cannot withdraw from the capital of KAMAZ, because it requires the approval of the government.”
Industry observers note that the Ukrainian crisis effectively blocked the transfer of that 15% share. In September 2021, Daimler AG, which later rebranded as Mercedes-Benz AG, purchased KAMAZ stock from Daimler Truck and planned to relocate the stake in early 2022 when Daimler Truck exited the group.
KAMAZ has plans to fully localize production of the K5 trucks and replace the currently licensed Mercedes-Benz Actros 2012 cab with domestic variants. However, any final move hinges on formal government approval in the Russian Federation and on Rostec, the Russian state-backed majority shareholder holding 47.1% of KAMAZ. Presently, there are no negotiations in progress and no authorization granted, which means Daimler Truck cannot preserve or sell its stake until those hurdles are cleared. The company official stressed that it remains too early to draw conclusions about potential future collaboration with KAMAZ.
- It should be noted that both Daimler AG for passenger vehicles and Daimler Truck AG for trucks have halted car sales in Russia. Mercedes-Benz continues to operate a plant in Esipovo, Moscow region for some passenger models, but production lines there have not resumed to full capacity.
- Updates and official statements are accessible through company communications channels, and industry coverage continues to track developments regarding sanctions, ownership structures, and potential licensing deals in the region.