Not only have the big seven – Daimler, Volvo, MAN, Scania, DAF, Iveco and Renault Trucks – carved out substantial positions in the Russian market, with a joint share of 30%, but trailer manufacturers like Schmitz Cargobull, Krone and Kögel, as well as component manufacturers, such as ZF, Jost and Knorr-Bremse, are also now established players in Russia.
"The fact that there is still tremendous interest in the CV market in Russia and its neighbouring countries is illustrated by the number of applications for Comtrans 2015," says Peter Bergleiter, managing director of IMAG (Internationaler Messe- und Ausstellungsdienst, the international partner of Russian organizer Media Globe).
"We're expecting more than 400 exhibitors from more than 40 countries," says Bergleiter, he adds.
Comtrans 2015 takes place at the grounds of the Crocus Expo in Moscow from 8—12 September. The show alternates years with the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hanover.
Western European CV and component manufacturers are not directly affected by the sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia as a result of the Crimean and Ukrainian crisis.
Nevertheless, the weak Ruble and rising prices of imported products are impeding market access from the outside.
In addition, there are state restrictions, such as the anti-dumping duty of 29.6% for light trucks with diesel engines and a total weight of 2.8 to 3.5 tons, which has been in place since June 2013.
The weakening economy, an increasingly weak Ruble and political uncertainties surrounding the Ukraine crisis combined with the EU sanctions have had a negative impact on the entire Russian commercial vehicle market.
"In spite of political uncertainties, COMTRANS 2015 offers all commercial vehicle and component manufacturers a platform to present new models and share critical impulses for the Eastern European commercial vehicle market," comments Bergleiter.