Serial Production Begins for Kama Bicycles at Forward Plant in Perm
Industrial activity surrounding Kama bicycles has moved forward at the Forward plant in Perm. The government’s press service in Perm Territory, relayed by TASS, confirmed the start of serial production for an updated Kama model. The new assembly line marks a continuation of a long history of bike making in Perm, dating back to the late 20th century.
On the Forward enterprise line, the first batch of the refreshed Kama bicycles, redesigned from models produced in Perm during the 1970s through the 1990s, has begun to roll off the conveyors. The initial shipment is planned to total 3,000 bicycles, coordinated to showcase the reimagined city bike for today’s riders. The company’s commercial director, Alexei Boyarshinov, explained that this first batch serves as a commemorative signal for Perm’s 300th anniversary. The press release noted that the bikes are expected to reach retail shelves soon, inviting both loyal collectors and new enthusiasts to consider a piece of Perm’s biking heritage [TASS].
The projected price range for the updated Kama bicycles is set between 11,000 and 13,000 rubles in the initial market release. Early plans indicate that, in 2024, the bikes will be offered in red, with white and blue variants to follow in subsequent shipments. Wheel diameter options are anticipated to expand, broadening the lineup and giving riders more choice in how the bike feels on roads and streets. The Forward plant has positioned the Kama revival as a blend of classic design with modern manufacturing efficiencies, aiming to appeal to urban commuters who value reliability and comfort as part of daily travel [TASS].
Perm has a long association with bicycle production. Today, the Forward facility ranks as one of the leading centers in Russia for bike manufacture, accounting for a significant share of the country’s output. The factory’s ongoing production of Kama bicycles underscores Perm’s continued role in the domestic cycling industry, reflecting both historical expertise and current market demand [TASS].
Mid-December reports had previously suggested that the mass production of the Kama line, popular during the 1970s to 1990s, would resume at the Forward plant in Perm in early 2023. The plan framed the Kama as a classic universal city bike, updated for contemporary use while preserving the familiar attributes that endear the model to longtime fans. The new iteration seeks to combine nostalgic appeal with modern components to meet today’s urban cycling requirements [TASS].