KamAZ is returning to a four-day workweek due to the market collapse
KamAZ, Russia’s largest truck manufacturer, will reintroduce a four-day workweek for most of its divisions starting June 1, 2026.
According to "BUSINESS Online," the decision is driven by the need to prevent a financial crisis at the company amid a sharp decline in demand. According to sources at the plant, the heavy truck market in Russia shrank by 40% in the first two months of 2026, forcing the company to revise its annual production plans.
KamAZ’s own sales fell by 15% during the reporting period, although its market share rose to 37% due to pressure from surplus vehicles held by Chinese importers. The company had previously switched to a reduced production schedule in August 2025 but returned to full-scale operations in November thanks to a large order from Russian law enforcement agencies. Experts note that the current decline in the market for trucks weighing over 16 tons in February amounted to 33% compared to last year, indicating prolonged stagnation in the commercial vehicle segment.
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