automotive news
The first Komtrans was organized in 2000 and gathered 21 participants on the Khodynka field, amid puddles and the still-growing greenery of the city. It was a modest showcase for commercial vehicles, distant from the most famous global brands. The next year, names like Volvo, Ford, Scania, and Pirelli joined the lineup. Today, Komtrans has become a major event with participation from over 140 companies and about 13,000 visitors. In addition to vehicle displays, the event offers a robust business program with dozens of speakers on topics that align with the country’s largest economic forums. For instance, a panel titled Move to the East explored new transport corridors and markets in international road transport. The expo hosts numerous gatherings, brand debuts, and a steady stream of automotive innovations. As a leading distributor of commercial vehicles from Gorky Automobile Plant, Likinsky and Pavlovsky Bus Plants and other domestic manufacturers, CTT organized 19 exhibitions, 16 of which were new for attendees.
One notable premiere was the Sobol NN 4×4, a modern all-wheel-drive minibus that remains popular. It features a subframe, a redesigned gearbox and front module with independent suspension, a direct-drive transfer case, a planetary reduction gear, and electronic control of the rotary washer. Both cross-axle differentials include locking mechanisms. From the factory, it comes with engine protection and a rear tow device with two lugs for cable attachment. The Sobol NN 4×4 will be offered in two trims: All-Road preserves the exterior look with minimal changes, while Off-Road adds mud tires and a richer equipment package, including electric bumpers with winch mounting points, extra protection for the snorkel, and transmission components.
Viktor Pushkarev, Deputy Head of the Analytical Department at Avtostat, noted that light commercial vehicle sales in 2023 may stay level with the previous year, around 75.3 thousand units. He added that the positive momentum in the Comtrans market should persist as long as transportation needs and sanctions dynamics evolve. The market’s trajectory will depend on the pace of Russia’s economic recovery and development.
Speculation points to Gazelle NN with a robotic gearbox as a potential market favorite. For years, Russian drivers dreamed of replacing clutch pedals with automated shifting, a feature born from domestic engineering. The new design uses a single-plate clutch and a mechanical box with electric actuators, delivering automatic gear shifting without sacrificing fuel efficiency—an important consideration for commercial fleets.
Nearby, an Ambulance based on the Gazelle NN was developed with direct input from the emergency medical service and local doctors. The interior emphasizes patient and clinician convenience, including road-ready resuscitation features. A pneumatic rear suspension smooths the ride, reduces road debris, and lowers the vehicle height for loading a stretcher.
A caravan built on an all-metal van of the same model offers maximum interior space (L4H3). It includes features such as a shower, dry closet, kitchen unit, independent heating, air conditioning, electricity, water supply, and solar panels. An external bike rack, a retractable awning, and portable outdoor furniture enhance its versatility for long trips.
drone and electric truck
At the fair, promising multi-industry advances are on display. Engineers at the Gorky Automobile Plant, in collaboration with NNSTU, have introduced an autonomous electric transport platform designed for airports, cargo warehouses, ports, and production facilities. The drone-based system maps routes three-dimensionally, uses radars, lidars, cameras, and navigation tools to identify traffic situations, and can reroute or halt operations as needed. Dispatchers can intervene remotely to ensure safe maneuvers. The platform supports payloads up to one tonne.
A companion platform, the SDV 3.5 Smart Delivery Vehicle, is a universal low-floor electric cargo platform capable of modular configurations for various lengths and payloads. An electric variant with a length of 5.5 meters, one-ton capacity, front-wheel drive, and a range of up to 200 kilometers was showcased.
These vehicles come equipped with advanced driver-assistance features such as an omni-vision system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane-keeping. The onboard electronics enable integration with the broader market ecosystem and remote monitoring of vehicle health and movement paths.
According to data from the Russian Electronic Communications Association cited by Vedemosti, the courier market in 2022 expanded by 24.5 percent, reaching a volume of 1.7 trillion rubles. About 47 percent of online sales occurred via in-market channels, underscoring demand for vehicles optimized for on-demand services.
Exhibited at the fair is not only a range of models but also Nizhny Novgorod Trucks, a new automaker planning to produce the Valdai heavy-duty line. The Valdai 45 tractor is designed for long-haul operation within a road train, carrying up to 45 tons gross weight and powered by a 470 hp engine with a modern robotic transmission and pneumatic rear suspension. It features all-wheel disc brakes, dual fuel tanks totaling 840 liters, and a cruising range up to 3,000 kilometers. The cabin offers 190 cm of interior height, a near-flat floor, a fridge, climate control, a spring-loaded driver seat, ample storage, a 230×88 cm bed, and insulation suited to the region.
Also shown were the Valdai 33 construction dump truck with a 6×4 layout, built to perform on asphalt and challenging dirt roads, and the 18-ton 18m road chassis with a 4×2 arrangement, available in three wheelbase options and with pneumatic or leaf-spring rear suspension. The company offers a customizable superstructure to fit client needs.
The Comtrans-2023 exposition features numerous exhibitor booths and an engaged audience, allowing attendees to evaluate both familiar models and upcoming premieres. The Russian commercial vehicle market is adapting to new conditions, and domestic manufacturers have a range of compelling options for buyers and fleets alike.