Comtrans, short for “Commercial Transport,” is Russia’s leading international exhibition for commercial vehicles. The event showcases the latest developments in trucks, buses, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), trailers, and special-purpose vehicles, bringing together domestic and international manufacturers, dealers, and industry professionals.
Event Overview
The 2026 edition of Comtrans marks a significant milestone: after 25 years in Moscow, the exhibition will relocate to Kazan for the first time. The event will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre.
The decision to move the exhibition to Tatarstan reflects the republic’s status as a core hub of Russia’s engineering cluster and a leading centre for commercial vehicle production. Major manufacturers based in the region include KAMAZ, Sollers Alabuga, Aurus, and RariTEK, alongside approximately 60 auto components producers.
Exhibition Scale and Participation
The exhibition is expected to feature more than 200 Russian and foreign companies presenting a comprehensive range of commercial vehicles and transport solutions. The event attracts a substantial professional audience, with previous editions drawing around 17,000 specialists from across Russia and CIS countries.
Key Exhibition Categories Include:
- Trucks and Commercial Vehicles: Heavy trucks, medium-duty trucks, and LCVs
- Buses and Passenger Transport: Urban, suburban, and tourist buses
- Trailers and Semi-trailers: Full range of towing equipment
- Special-Purpose Vehicles: Municipal, construction, and utility vehicles
- Components and Spare Parts: Automotive parts, lubricants, tyres, and workshop equipment
New for 2026: Comtrans Drive
A major innovation for the 2026 edition is the launch of Comtrans Drive – the first-ever test-drive programme for commercial vehicles at the exhibition. Visitors will be able to experience trucks, LCVs, and buses in action on a specially designed route near the Kazan Expo centre. This professional-oriented format allows attendees to evaluate vehicle dynamics, manoeuvrability, and performance under load.
Business Programme and Forum
The Comtrans Forum serves as the intellectual heart of the event, featuring sessions with representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, and leadership from leading industry companies. Key discussion topics include:
- Development of transport infrastructure
- Government support measures for the industry
- Import independence and localisation strategies
- Digitalisation of commercial vehicle fleets
- Environmental standards and green transport solutions
The “Best Commercial Vehicle of the Year” Award
A traditional highlight of Comtrans is the award ceremony for the “Best Commercial Vehicle of the Year in Russia”. This was the first competition of its kind in Russia and has earned a reputation as the most authoritative industry award. Leading global and Russian manufacturers of trucks, buses, and vans compete annually for the prize across multiple categories, with entries limited to new vehicles launched on the Russian market during the year.
Key Exhibitors and Vehicle Premieres
The exhibition showcases both domestic industry leaders and international manufacturers. Russian and Belarusian manufacturers have historically featured prominently, alongside strong delegations from China and Turkey.
Domestic Industry Leaders: The exhibition regularly features major Russian and Belarusian manufacturers, including KAMAZ, GAZ, Sollers, Volgabus, and MAZ. These companies use Comtrans as a key platform for launching new models.
International Participation: Chinese, Turkish, and Iranian manufacturers have become increasingly prominent participants in recent years. The exhibition is supported by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and industry partners such as KAMAZ.
The Evolution of Comtrans
Comtrans has been held since 2000 and, since 2011, has been organised biennially in odd-numbered years, alternating with Germany’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. The 2024 edition, held in Moscow, featured 227 companies from Russia, Belarus, China, and Turkey, with vehicle premieres including the GAZelle NN 4×4, Valdai 45 truck, and the electric GAZelle e-City bus.
Comtrans 2026 promises to be a landmark edition as it moves to Kazan for the first time. With a comprehensive exhibition, the new Comtrans Drive test-drive programme, and a high-level business forum, the event offers essential opportunities for sourcing, networking, and staying ahead of market trends. For any professional involved in the commercial vehicle industry, Comtrans 2026 is an unmissable date on the calendar.
