Rustam Minnikhanov: We will continue defending interests of KAMAZ company on national basis

On June 26, during his working trip to Naberezhnye Chelny, Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Director General of OAO “KAMAZ” Sergei Kogogin, Director General of State Corporation “Rostec” Sergei Chemezov, representatives of regional ministries and agencies took part in annual shareholders meeting of KAMAZ company at the Kazan IT-park.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that last year was difficult both for the republic and the company.

There was a 30-percent drop in truck sales in Russia in 2014. However, due to major efforts taken by Rostec corporation and KAMAZ Board of directors helped to cope with the situation. 38,8 thousand trucks were sold, the company revenue made 104,4 billion roubles. According to Rustam Minnikhanov, in current situation, development of export potential is the main task. The company needs to expand its presence in South Africa, Egypt, Latin America and CIS countries. Federal authorities are rendering considerable support to the enterprise. Chairman of Russian Government signed a special decree on providing state guarantees for the sum of 35 billion roubles for 15 years.

Minnikhanov also reminded that a number of state programmes, including vehicle scrappage programme, subsidization of gas-engine vehicles, and preferential leasing programme are being implemented in the republic. In the nearest time it is planned to convert most public transport, agricultural and utility vehicles to gas fuel, and KAMAZ is making considerable contribution to this area.

In order to reduce tension in Tatarstan market special programme is being realized in the republic, under which 89 per cent of funds are aimed at supporting employees of the Auto Giant.

Supply of vehicles to Russian Ministry of defence is one of the main areas of KAMAZ work.

Rustam Minnikhanov also noted achievements of KAMAZ-Master team that has won Dakar rally 13 times.

According to Kogogin, two key factors, realization of large-scale modernization programme, and economic situation in the country influenced KAMAZ work in 2014. Due to efficient anti-crisis measures taken by the company management team, participation in programmes on supporting automotive industry helped KAMAZ to finish 2014 better than other participants of the market.

“KAMAZ is integrated in global automotive industry and we were experiencing pressure because of imposed sanctions. Due to efforts taken by our managers we managed to avoid suspension of production and persuade our partners of continuing cooperation in the sphere of supplies and KAMAZ modernization.

According to Kogogin, crisis gave impetus to finding effective solutions in technical modernization and appropriate investment schemes. The final purpose of the project, creation of energy efficient, and high technology enterprise, is the priority task for KAMAZ notwithstanding the situation.