The BAZ heavy-truck program in Russia is expanding its production capacity. JSC Romanov, the manufacturer, aims to produce approximately 600 vehicles in 2027 and plans to increase the assembly rate at its Shushary facility near St. Petersburg. The company also plans to broaden its product line by introducing a gas-powered tractor unit and several previously unannounced truck models.
The production facility, established at the former Scania-MAN manufacturing site, is anticipated to increase its manufacturing tempo gradually as the company strives to stabilize production processes, enhance component quality control, and satisfy customer demands.
Romanov CEO Dmitry Grechukhin stated in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta on October 29, 2026, that the company intends to achieve a sustainable production rate of approximately two trucks per shift during the first half of 2027. Subsequently, the target will increase to three vehicles per shift.
The manufacturer plans to operate a single shift and produce approximately 600 BAZ vehicles in 2027. BAZ, despite its relatively low production volume in comparison to mainstream commercial truck manufacturers, is a specialized player in the heavy-duty vehicle market. Its primary concentration is on demanding operating environments, where conventional truck configurations may encounter constraints.
Production Expansion at the Shushary Facility
The Shushary plant is particularly important due to its use of the industrial infrastructure of the former Scania and MAN manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg. The resumption of heavy-truck manufacturing at the site was officially marked by the start of serial production of BAZ trucks on December 26, 2025, as part of a new Russian industrial program.
The initial production range includes heavy-duty chassis, dump trucks, tractor units, and flatbed trucks. These vehicles are primarily intended for construction companies, mining operations, oil and gas producers, road-building contractors, and businesses operating in remote regions.
Romanov’s production strategy is not just focused on increasing the quantity of vehicles produced. The organization is emphasizing component quality and manufacturing consistency. This is particularly significant for BAZ, as its vehicles are designed with specialized engineering solutions, unlike the standard mass-market truck architecture.
A Unique Independent Suspension System
One distinguishing feature of the BAZ platform is its fully independent spring suspension. Unlike conventional heavy-duty vehicles, which typically use dependent axle arrangements, BAZ implements an independent suspension system across its wheels.
The configuration is intended to improve wheel articulation, maintain traction on uneven terrain, and enhance mobility in challenging operating conditions. The trucks are well-suited for challenging routes in northern Russia, Siberia, mining areas, and remote construction sites, as they have a 6×6 drivetrain and an estimated 400 mm of ground clearance.
The suspension is among the most unusual features of the platform in the heavy-truck segment. The Bryansk Automobile Plant’s expertise in developing specialized off-road military vehicles and chassis is the foundation of its engineering origins.
The domestic content of the manufacturer’s vehicles has also been emphasized. The truck’s configuration in 2025 comprised approximately 90% domestically sourced components. The engine is supplied by the Yaroslavl Motor Plant, while the independent suspension was developed in collaboration with Rostar, a company located in Naberezhnye Chelny.
Specialized Manufacturing and Tubular Frame Cabin
The cabin construction of the BAZ also differs from that of conventional high-volume commercial trucks.
The manufacturer uses a small-series manufacturing approach, rather than exclusively relying on conventional mass-production cabin stamping processes. The bodywork is composed of external composite panels, while the cabin structure is constructed around a welded steel tubular frame. This construction method suits specialized production volumes and enables the manufacturer to create a unique compartment architecture without necessitating the same level of manufacturing investment as a high-volume passenger vehicle or conventional truck platform.
The production facility uses a combination of dedicated workstations and manual assembly operations. The manufacturing line comprises 52 workstations and occupies approximately 17,000 square meters. The production process is primarily manual, with the intention of automating certain operations, such as welding.
New Models and Gas-Powered Tractors Are Scheduled for 2027
Romanov’s 2027 program will include product expansion as an additional significant element.
The company intends to exhibit a BAZ tractor unit propelled by gas at the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum in April 2027. It anticipates unveiling two additional models that have not been publicly demonstrated during the event.
A further BAZ vehicle is scheduled to make its debut at the COMvex commercial vehicle exhibition in May 2027.
The introduction of a gas-powered tractor is especially relevant to Russia’s natural gas industry, as gas-powered commercial vehicles have the potential to be used in industrial transport and regional logistics. Additionally, it would provide BAZ an opportunity to engage with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional diesel-powered heavy vehicles.
The proposed expansion is designed to improve the current product line, which includes chassis, dump trucks, and tractor units. The chassis configurations are particularly significant because they enable customers to install specialized equipment for various industrial applications.
Commercial Prospects and Northern Testing
BAZ is undergoing operational testing in challenging climatic conditions. Since December 2025, the tractor unit has undergone trials in the Far North of Russia, focusing on heavy load transportation, off-road performance, and reliability.
The vehicle had traveled over 10,800 kilometers by October 2026, with nearly 9,000 kilometers accumulated during operating testing. According to reports, no critical technical issues were identified during the maintenance inspections conducted at the 10,000-kilometer mark.
The company has also investigated potential export markets. Earlier in 2026, Romanov disclosed that it was contemplating potential deliveries to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, markets where heavy-duty vehicles are necessary for oil, gas, and mineral extraction operations.
In conclusion,
Romanov’s objective of producing 600 BAZ trucks by 2027 is a gradual expansion rather than a transition to mass-market production. To solidify the brand’s commercial position, introducing gas-powered variants and additional models will be crucial. Ultimately, BAZ’s success will depend on its domestic manufacturing base, specialized suspension, and off-road capabilities generating sustained demand from Russia’s industrial and resource sectors.