Russia, Belarus to build buses for airports in Smolensk Region

SMOLENSK. May 15 (Interfax) - The authorities of Smolensk Region are considering building a plant in the region with Belarusian automaker MAZ to produce low-floor buses for airports, the Russian region's governor, Vasily Anokhin said in an interview with Interfax.

The project requires considerable investment and it is now being discussed at the level of the Russian and Belarusian industry and trade ministries, he said.

"I'll say that we've already worked out the issue of localizing production, potential certification and inclusion of this type of vehicle in the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry's registry," Anokhin said.

He also said that MAZ plans to build a large service center in Smolensk Region to service its vehicles throughout Central Russia.

"The center will become a logistics hub, combine servicing and presale preparation. A site has already been allocated for this project and construction work will begin soon," Anokhin said.

MAZ and the regional government signed an agreement in September 2024 on the construction of a center to manufacture and service MAZ heavy machinery.

MAZ, which is managed by holding company Belavtomaz, specializes in manufacturing large trucks, as well as buses, trolleys and towed machinery. MAZ increased output by 12% in 2024, producing more than 13,100 vehicles and pieces of machinery, including almost 2,000 passenger vehicles. The plant's sales grew by 16.6% to 3.3 billion Belarusian rubles (almost $950 million).