Kamaz Plans for 2023: K4 and K5 Generations Return to the Assembly Line
In 2023, Kamaz is preparing to bring the K4 and K5 generations back into full production with a target of manufacturing 10,600 vehicles. The announcement came through the company’s official social channels, signaling a renewed emphasis on modernizing its lineup after a year of strategic adjustments. The plan follows a slower 2022 period when the factory produced 4,193 cars across two generations, illustrating the company’s shift toward greater output capacity and product diversification.
The K4 variant will be assembled using remaining parts stored in the warehouse, ensuring continuity in supply while the focus shifts toward the newer K5 model. The 2022 period was largely dedicated to import substitution efforts, which have borne fruit in the current localization levels. Today, K5 localization stands at roughly 70–80%, reflecting an increasing share of domestically sourced components in the final product.
Additionally, the K5 has received a significant upgrade. The engine has moved from a 12-liter displacement to a 13-liter unit, delivering enhanced torque and performance characteristics. Service intervals have been extended from 120,000 kilometers to 150,000 kilometers, reducing maintenance downtime for operators. The company anticipates that serial production of the KAMAZ K5 NEO will begin in March, signaling a broader push to refresh the heavy-truck family with more efficient powertrains and longer service life.
Kamaz emphasizes that the K5 NEO represents a strategic step in strengthening its export readiness and domestic market competitiveness. By integrating higher localization and a larger-displacement engine, the lineup aims to improve economy of operation for fleet customers, while maintaining the reliability and durability expected from Kamaz vehicles in challenging operating conditions. The company is positioning the K5 NEO as a centerpiece for its next generation of heavy-duty trucks, designed to meet evolving regulatory and market demands without compromising on rugged performance.
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Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll, a campaign that highlights the most notable car novelties of the year. The voting process is straightforward: cast a ballot for the models you find most compelling, and share your perspective on what makes a new release stand out in a competitive market. The exercise is as much about consumer insight as it is about celebration of automotive innovation, offering a glimpse into public opinion on design, technology, and reliability.
As a token of appreciation for taking part in the survey, three prize bundles are up for grabs among respondents. The raffle runs for all participants who complete the questionnaire by the end of February, with winners announced following the close of the poll period. This initiative gives enthusiasts an opportunity to influence the conversation around new car introductions while enjoying a little excitement along the way.
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Note: ka manufacturer confirmed participation through its social channels earlier in the year, reinforcing the connection with the automotive community and fans of Kamaz products.