"Baltiysk isn't made of rubber": carriers are rushing to open the port in Pionersk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

"Baltiysk isn't made of rubber": carriers are rushing to open the port in Pionersk and predicting cheaper shipping.

According to Sergei Goz, a board member of the Association of International Road Carriers, the distance from the Leningrad Region ports to Pionersky is shorter than to Baltiysk. The difference in one-way ferry travel time can be approximately three hours.

"It would be illogical if the price remained the same for a shorter distance than it would have been for a call at Baltiysk. The freight cost should be adjusted," Sergey noted.

In addition, the new terminal will partially relieve the existing ferry infrastructure in Baltiysk.

"We've observed that whenever restrictions on the border with Lithuania or Latvia are tightened, ferry cargo traffic automatically increases. However, the Baltiysk maritime complex isn't built to last," Goz said.

He added that the association had already proposed accelerating the commissioning of the Pionersky port at the end of 2025. It was also proposed to equip storage areas for equipment and use the terminal at least in test mode, without waiting for the completion of its entire infrastructure.

Publication date: 03/16/2026

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

AVTOTOR and Great Wall Motor Rus signed a strategic cooperation agreement.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

AVTOTOR and Great Wall Motor Rus signed a strategic cooperation agreement.

Source: AVTOTOR – Avtotor motor vehicles – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Great Wall Motor Rus and AVTOTOR have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement, under which contract production of the premium TANK 300 SUV will begin at AVTOTOR's Kaliningrad production facility.

Zhang Junxue, President of Great Wall Motor Rus LLC, said, "We have begun working with our technology partner, AVTOTOR, on the production of premium SUVs under the TANK brand. This strategic collaboration will enable us to make the TANK 300 SUV accessible to Russian car enthusiasts and strengthen the company's position in the Russian market."

Evgeny Petukhov, President and CEO of AVTOTOR Auto Holding LLC, said: "In accordance with the signed agreement, contract production of the TANK 300 frame SUV is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. This collaboration entails a gradual expansion of the brand's vehicle production technology and increased localization."

The model will be available in Drive, Premium, City Drive, and City Premium trim levels, with a 2.0-liter engine producing 218 hp and 380 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The TANK 300 will be available in two interior trims—black and black-red—and five exterior colors.

The vehicles will be sold through TANK's official dealer network throughout the Russian Federation. All TANK 300 SUVs produced by AVTOTOR will undergo comprehensive quality testing in accordance with GWM standards. Furthermore, all vehicles will be covered by an official warranty and service support at official TANK dealerships.

The TANK 300 frame SUV was the first model in Great Wall Motor's premium SUV lineup, introduced to the Russian market in late 2022. The TANK 300 SUV combines a classic frame design with a high level of comfort. It features a turbocharged gasoline engine, all-wheel drive with low-range transmission and locking differentials, a wide range of off-road driving modes, and modern driver assistance systems. The vehicle offers sophisticated interior ergonomics and a modern multimedia system, making it versatile for both city and off-road use.

All TANK 300 SUVs are adapted to the climate and road conditions of the Russian market: they are equipped with a winter package, which includes heated seats, steering wheel, windshield and rear window, rearview mirrors, washer nozzles, and rearview camera washer, as well as anti-corrosion body protection.

AVTOTOR is one of Russia's largest automakers. The company was founded in 1994 in Kaliningrad. The company was the first in Russia to produce foreign-brand vehicles. Production has been underway since May 1997. AVTOTOR operates in accordance with international quality management system standards at all stages of production. It is a leader in the industry for its high-quality products. Over its 30 years of operation, AVTOTOR plants have produced over 2.6 million vehicles (more than 220 models) of world-renowned brands.

Under the current Special Investment Contract with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Government of the Kaliningrad Region, the company is implementing a project to create a manufacturing cluster for electric vehicles and automotive components in the Kaliningrad Region. The investment volume exceeds 70 billion rubles.

Great Wall Motor Rus LLC is the exclusive distributor of HAVAL, POER, TANK, WEY, and ORA vehicles and parts in the Russian Federation. The company has been operating since February 2014. The first official HAVAL dealership opened in Moscow in June 2015. Currently, there are more than 250 HAVAL dealerships in Russia: the intelligent crossovers HAVAL JOLION (HAVAL JOLION), HAVAL DARGO (HAVAL DARGO), HAVAL M6 (HAVAL M6), HAVAL F7 (HAVAL F7) and HAVAL F7x (HAVAL F7 X) are represented in the HAVAL CITY dealership network, and the all-terrain crossovers and frame SUVs of the HAVAL H3 (HAVAL H3), HAVAL H9 (HAVAL H9), HAVAL H5 (HAVAL H5) and HAVAL H7 (HAVAL H7) brand are represented in the HAVAL PRO network.

TANK is a premium SUV brand from Great Wall Motor, first introduced in 2021. GWM TANK is a fully user-focused brand, offering a new automotive experience based on user interests and preferences, reflecting global trends in digital interaction. TANK represents the current product category of premium urban SUVs, responding to modern consumer trends. It combines the uncompromising nature of a true SUV with the technology and comfort of an everyday city car. In Russia, the TANK brand is represented by a dedicated dealer network in 49 cities.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Electric vehicles as part of the country's technological transformation.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Electric vehicles as part of the country's technological transformation

Source: AVTOTOR – Avtotor motor vehicles – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The book "Electric Vehicles" has been published, dedicated to key technological changes in the modern automotive industry.

The book was reviewed by Alexander Sorokin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of AVTOTOR Holding LLC and a member of the Council of the Association of Russian Automobile Manufacturers. The publication's topic is directly related to AVTOTOR's practical work in the field of electric transport. This project reflects a strategic focus on developing in-house competencies and promoting Russian engineering solutions in the automotive industry.

This book examines electric vehicles as a key area of technological transformation. It presents a systematic and objective analysis, ranging from the advantages of new designs and intelligent drives to current challenges related to the cost, capacity, and performance of batteries. A significant portion of the material is devoted to the Russian market and domestic developments.

The authors of the book are: – Pablo Iturralde, Director of the Advanced Engineering School of Technological Leadership at Moscow Polytechnic University; – Georgy Onishchenko, Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences, expert in the field of electrical engineering and industrial electric drives; – Dmitry Krasnov, Candidate of Technical Sciences, General Director of the Scientific and Technical Center "Drive Technology".

The book will be useful for engineers, industry specialists, executives and anyone interested in a deep understanding of the processes that determine the future of the automotive industry.

You can download the book here

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

A play celebrating the anniversary of the first KAMAZ truck premiered in Naberezhnye Chelny.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On Friday, March 13, the Ayaz Gilyazov Naberezhnye Chelny State Tatar Drama Theater premiered a play dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ truck.

The event was attended by the General Director of KAMAZ PJSC Sergey Kogogin, top managers of the auto giant, the mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny Nail Magdeev, KAMAZ workers and veterans of the plant. Among the honored guests of the festive evening was the Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir Knyaginin.

"Today is a significant event for us, KAMAZ workers—we live by more than just hardware. Of course, our main hero is our truck; we pour all our energy, knowledge, love, and soul into it. But in the year of the first KAMAZ's 50th anniversary, we've tried to make sure it's not all about hardware, but also about people. Theatrical life is also, of course, important to us," noted Sergey Kogogin, greeting the KAMAZ workers. He also emphasized the significance of the first KAMAZ truck's production for the country and the lofty goals of that time. "Only a strong country could have such ambitions to build the world's largest plant in such a short time. Those who came 55 years ago to build KAMAZ are truly heroic people." "I can imagine what a moment it was for KAMAZ workers, for the city of Naberezhnye Chelny, and for the country when the first KAMAZ truck rolled off the assembly line on February 16, 1976. Our current generation certainly has no less ambition; we have always strived and continue to strive to be at the forefront of global automakers," said the company's CEO.

The production, based on the play by Naberezhnye Chelny playwright Artur Shaidulla, "My Horse Came Out of the Shadows/Chykty Atym Kulegeden," tells the story of the creation of the KAMAZ Mustang automobile and the continuity of generations. It tells the story of how there is always room for heroism—a labor feat and a feat in the name of the Motherland.

The action unfolds in two worlds: in the designer's office, where the first Mustang was created, and in the present day, when the truck continues to serve the defenders of the Fatherland on the front lines. The production's main characters are strong-willed individuals. Furthermore, the KAMAZ-4350 truck takes center stage, becoming a full-fledged participant in the events. The production is presented in two languages – Tatar and Russian (headphones with simultaneous translation are provided for Russian-speaking audiences).

The performance was created in the year of the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ vehicle and the 400th anniversary of the city of Naberezhnye Chelny, commissioned by KAMAZ PJSC as a token of gratitude to the plant's workers, city residents, and all those who defend national interests today.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

A series of stamps was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ vehicle.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On Friday, March 13, a special cancellation ceremony for unique postal products dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ vehicle was held in Naberezhnye Chelny.

The ceremony took place at the Ayaz Gilyazov Naberezhnye Chelny State Tatar Drama Theater. The special cancellation ceremony was attended by Sergey Kogogin, CEO of KAMAZ PJSC, Nail Magdeev, Mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny, and Svetlana Grishina, Deputy Director of the Federal Postal Service "Tatarstan Pochtasy" of JSC Russian Post. The executives affixed a postmark to the stamp issued to commemorate the anniversary of the first KAMAZ truck and, as is tradition, signed the envelopes commemorating this significant event. Vladimir Knyagin, Vice Governor of St. Petersburg, was the guest of honor at the event.

In his welcoming address, Sergey Kogogin noted that the issued stamps will commemorate the anniversary in philatelic collections and, decades from now, will serve as reminders of the KAMAZ team's achievements and this significant event for the Russian automotive industry. He also emphasized KAMAZ PJSC's long-standing partnership with Russian Post. "It's important to us that Russian Post not only sends our letters and parcels, but is also our partner and customer: a huge number of KAMAZ vehicles are supplied to Russian Post and transport freight daily," the company's CEO said. "It's an honor that our partner has taken the initiative to issue a postal envelope and stamp for this anniversary."

In turn, Svetlana Grishina, Deputy Director of the Federal Postal Service Administration "Tatarstan Post" of JSC "Russian Post," welcomed the ceremony participants and noted the significance and depth of the event, which unites three stories: the history of the city celebrating its anniversary, the history of the domestic auto industry, and the history of postal art.

Russian Post issued a total of four stamps commemorating the anniversary of the first KAMAZ truck. They depict the auto giant's first-born, the KAMAZ-5320, a combined-use road vehicle based on the KAMAZ-65115, the innovative KAMAZ-6282 electric bus, and the flagship latest-generation K5 KAMAZ-54901 tractor unit. The postal products went on sale on Friday, March 13. Each stamp has a face value of 50 rubles, and the total print run is 36,000 copies. In addition to the stamps, first-day covers and special cancellation postmarks for Moscow and Naberezhnye Chelny, as well as maximum cards, were issued. A blank cover costs 30 rubles, while an envelope with a postmark imprint costs 80 rubles.

A special cancellation is a procedure organized to commemorate a significant event or memorable date. Postal items are canceled using a specially crafted artistic stamp. Stamps and envelopes cancelled in this manner acquire philatelic and museum value.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

KAMAZ employees became laureates of the Engineer of the Year 2025 competition.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Five KAMAZ PJSC employees have been named laureates of the 26th All-Russian "Engineer of the Year 2025" competition. The winners were honored in Moscow, where they were presented with diplomas, certificates, "Professional Engineer of Russia" badges, and commemorative medals.

The competition was traditionally held by public associations of professional scientists and engineers of Russia in two versions: "Engineering Art of the Young" for participating young specialists aged 35 years and younger, and "Professional Engineers" for specialists with at least five years of experience in engineering positions.

Following the results of the second round of the competition, the winners of the "Professional Engineers" category were the following employees of the foundry: Chief Specialist Andrey Ukhov (nomination "Engineering and Design Schools and Professional Mentoring") and Head of the Bureau of Standardization, Patent, Licensing, and Rationalization Work Oksana Pavlova (nomination "Engineering Economics").

According to the "Engineering Art of the Young" competition, three KAMAZ employees won the second round. Anatoly Baranov, Lead Design Engineer of the Cutting Tool and Measuring Instruments Design Department at the Scientific and Technical Center, won the "Mechanical Engineering (Development and Implementation of Innovative Technology)" category. Adel Vildanov, Head of the Design and Engineering Department of Units and Systems at the Scientific and Technical Center, was named the winner in the "Mechanical Engineering (Scientific and Technical Support)" category. Zinnur Zagrtdinov, Bureau Chief of the Steel Casting Production Technology Department at the foundry, was also named the "Engineer of the Year 2025" competition.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

An OAT Group company organized a tour for schoolchildren

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Ninth-graders from Dimitrovgrad Secondary School No. 6 visited Avtosvet LLC (a subsidiary of the OAT Group, a KAMAZ subsidiary). As part of a career guidance meeting, the students learned about the modern production of lighting fixtures.

The excursion is part of a larger effort to provide students with career guidance and broaden their technical horizons, which OAT Group companies are conducting jointly with educational institutions. For ninth-graders on the cusp of choosing their future profession, this event was a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of modern manufacturing and see how engineering ideas are brought to life.

The visit to a leading lighting company began with an introductory presentation on the plant's history and significant achievements that have cemented its reputation in the market. In the production facilities, the children observed the lighting fixture manufacturing process—from component processing to final assembly of the finished product. The students saw modern equipment in action, learned about the quality control stages, and learned about the requirements for automotive lighting products.

As Avtosvet LLC representatives noted, such meetings are important for teenagers who are just beginning to think about their professional future. A hands-on experience with real-life production helps them see the potential of technical specialties and understand the competencies required by modern industry.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Red Wings carried about 200 thousand passengers to Sri Lanka on March 13, 2026.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Red Wings Airlines –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Red Wings has summarized the results of three and a half years of operations on the Russia-Sri Lanka route. During this period, it operated over 500 flights to Mattala International Airport and carried approximately 200,000 passengers.

Flights to the popular Sri Lankan resort of Hambantota operate from four Russian cities: Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, and Samara. Flights depart from the capital twice a week, with all aircraft fully booked. In total, Red Wings has carried nearly 400,000 passengers from Russian cities to the tropical island and back.

Flights to Sri Lanka are operated as part of a charter program and are scheduled until the end of March. Tickets for these flights are still available as part of travel packages through the airline's partners.

This year, Red Wings won the industry-wide RUSKy Awards. The airline received the award for its development of tourism and partnership programs.

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

SOLLERS Group is preparing to launch production of security system components.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Sollers – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The SOLLERS Group is preparing to launch new production of steering wheels, airbags and seat belts, as well as electronic control units at the UAZ industrial site.

Igor Komarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District, and Alexey Russkikh, Governor of the Ulyanovsk Region, inspected the production facilities. Passive safety components will be manufactured at Components of Security Systems LLC, a subsidiary of SOLLERS PJSC.

The project will pioneer the use of technologies that have no analogues in Russia: casting steering wheel frames from domestic magnesium alloy, as well as laser cutting and sewing of airbag materials.

Commissioning work is currently underway at the plant. A pilot batch of products has been manufactured and submitted for validation testing. Serial production is scheduled to begin in April 2026.

The total investment in the project is 1.5 billion rubles, of which 1.2 billion rubles were provided by the Industrial Development Fund in the form of a preferential loan.

"The new production facility is a fulfilled step in the UAZ industrial development program. We presented the long-term cooperation project in 2024 and received the support of the Plenipotentiary Representative. We discussed the plans today. The regional government and the SOLLERS Group continue to work closely together," noted Alexey Russkikh.

"Preparations for the launch of passive safety system component production in Ulyanovsk are one of the stages of the SOLLERS Group's large-scale investment program. The total investment in the development of the Ulyanovsk site by 2027 will amount to 18 billion rubles. Major projects include the launch of the Sollers S9 SUV and the UAZ family of vehicles with new powertrains, a new press facility, and the construction of a paint facility," commented Nikolay Sobolev, CEO of SOLLERS PJSC.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

NordStar Airlines summarized the results of the federal "Labor Productivity" project, using its own aircraft maintenance center as an example for 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Nordstar Airlines –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

NordStar Airlines presented the results of the federal "Labor Productivity" project. The results were announced during a visit by Krasnoyarsk Krai Governor Mikhail Kotyukov to NordStar Airlines' aircraft maintenance shop at Krasnoyarsk Airport on March 11, 2026.

The "Labor Productivity" project is a federal-level initiative that is part of the national "Efficient and Competitive Economy" project. Its primary goal is to support businesses in non-resource industries by providing expert assistance in eliminating deficiencies in the production process and training employees in modern methods for improving labor efficiency.

As a result of the project, NordStar Airlines was able to increase the efficiency of its maintenance shop by 2025. Key achievements include:

– Improving overall labor efficiency;

– Recertification according to the requirements of FAP-145;

– Expanding the competencies of aircraft maintenance personnel.

The new competencies developed have enabled a significant reduction in the time required for basic aircraft maintenance (in-depth aircraft maintenance every 24 months), while average annual output has increased by 45% compared to the 2023 baseline.

In addition, maintenance shop staff began independently repairing removable onboard galley equipment and the aircraft's water system, which resulted in significant savings of up to 11 million rubles per year.

NordStar Airlines, as an aircraft maintenance organization, successfully completed recertification according to FAP-145 requirements and expanded its scope of operations by receiving a B1 rating, which allows it to perform engine preservation and depreservation procedures on the ground.

Over the past year, 138 A-check aircraft maintenance procedures (regular aircraft maintenance every 1,000 flight hours) were carried out, and C-check maintenance was performed on four NordStar aircraft.

"I'm pleased to note that NordStar Airlines' performance as an aircraft maintenance organization is showing positive momentum. Last year, we achieved significant results, increasing labor productivity thanks to highly skilled personnel, the use of modern technical equipment, and access to up-to-date technical documentation. Ambitious goals are planned for 2026: expanding the scope of our aircraft structure repair and manufacturing operations using high-tech machine tools. NordStar Airlines continues to consistently strive to enhance the professional skills of its employees and maintain its leading position in ensuring the reliability and high quality of service for the airline's fleet," emphasized Leonid Mokhov, CEO of NordStar Airlines.

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.