Russia is gearing up to start mass production of BAZ trucks, a new line of vehicles designed to replace off-road models from brands like Volvo, MAN, Scania, and Mercedes. Serial production is expected to begin in July 2025 at the Romanov plant in St. Petersburg. According to Dmitry Grechukhin, CEO of Romanov JSC, the BAZ trucks will significantly outperform their foreign counterparts in terms of off-road capability, thanks to their independent suspension system—a feature rarely found in full-drive competitors.
The BAZ trucks are built on a modular platform and feature transport axles developed using knowledge gained from analyzing vehicles used in special military operations. This military-grade engineering ensures unparalleled reliability and complete independence from foreign components. While it remains unclear whether this applies to all foreign parts or only those from unfriendly countries, the emphasis on domestic production is clear.
Despite their rugged design, BAZ trucks offer a level of comfort comparable to foreign models. Features include:
Depending on the cab configuration—five options are available—the trucks can accommodate one or two sleeping berths.
What sets the BAZ apart is its combination of independent suspension and full-drive systems, a rarity among heavy-duty trucks. Most competitors rely on dependent suspension, which limits their performance in extreme conditions.
This year, 200 civilian models are planned for production, with volumes expected to increase tenfold within two years. Potential customers include industries like logging, oil and gas extraction, and road construction. "This vehicle is built for harsh environments, such as the Far North, where roads are virtually nonexistent," Grechukhin noted. Future plans include developing 8x8 and 10x10 wheelbase variants, as well as a gas-powered model.
