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Russian truck manufacturer JSC Romanov is expanding both its production capacity and its product lineup, according to statements made by CEO Dmitry Grechukhin at the COMvex 2026 international exhibition in Moscow. The company, which produces BAZ trucks at a former Scania and Man assembly plant in St. Petersburg, has told TASS it plans to increase daily output from the current two vehicles to three, and eventually to six per day with a second shift. At the same time, the firm is developing a new all-wheel-drive 8x8 vehicle, with certification expected to begin next year.

Coverage comparison

Both reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, covered the company's production ambitions and its strategic positioning against Western competitors. The first report focused on the development of the 8x8 line, quoting Grechukhin on plans to assemble the vehicle by the end of this year and begin certification in 2027. The second report centered on the production ramp-up, including the company's target of at least 600 vehicles in 2026 and a projected annual capacity of 2,000 vehicles at the St. Petersburg plant. Both articles emphasized that the BAZ truck is an entirely Russian design intended to substitute heavy-duty trucks from the so-called Big Seven — Mercedes, Volvo, Scania, Man, Daf, Iveco, and Renault Trucks.

While the two stories did not contradict each other, they each highlighted different aspects of the company's plans. The first piece placed greater emphasis on product expansion, while the second detailed production milestones and capacity projections. Neither report mentioned any external validation of the stated figures, which come directly from the company's CEO and its website.

Key claims

  • JSC Romanov plans to increase production of BAZ trucks at its St. Petersburg site to three vehicles per day in the near term, and then to six vehicles per day with the introduction of a second shift, according to CEO Dmitry Grechukhin, as reported by TASS.
  • The company has already reached a production level of two vehicles per day, per Grechukhin's statement.
  • JSC Romanov aims to produce at least 600 vehicles in 2026, with the St. Petersburg plant's production capacity projected to reach 2,000 vehicles per year, according to the company's website as cited by TASS.
  • The company is developing a vehicle with an 8x8 wheel arrangement, with plans to assemble the vehicle by the end of 2026 and begin certification in the following year, as Grechukhin told TASS.
  • JSC Romanov is also discussing the development of 4x4 vehicles, per the CEO's comments.
  • The BAZ truck is an original Russian design, a claim carried by both TASS reports.
  • The BAZ series is intended to replace heavy-duty trucks from the Big Seven European manufacturers, as stated in both reports.
  • Serial production of BAZ trucks at the St. Petersburg site, which previously produced Scania and Man models, began in late 2025, according to both TASS reports.

Perspectives

From the company's perspective, as conveyed through its CEO, the expansion reflects confidence in the BAZ truck's design and its ability to fill a market gap left by Western manufacturers. The emphasis on the vehicle's Russian origin and its off-road capabilities, noted in the company's promotional material, suggests a positioning for domestic and possibly sanctioned markets. The development of the 8x8 and discussion of 4x4 variants indicate a long-term strategy to build a full lineup of heavy-duty trucks.

From an industry standpoint, the production targets — 600 vehicles in 2026 and a capacity of 2,000 per year — are modest compared to the output of major global truck makers, but they represent a significant step for a new entrant. The former plant's history of assembling Scania and Man trucks gives it established industrial infrastructure, which could facilitate the ramp-up.

The broader context is Russia's push for import substitution in the wake of sanctions, with the BAZ series explicitly aimed at replacing Western heavy-duty trucks. However, the success of this effort will depend on supply chain reliability, component availability, and the ability to meet certification standards. No independent verification of the production figures or timelines has been provided in the reports.

This article is based on information from TASS. The company's claims have not been independently verified by Tertius News.