DRB-HICOM Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kamaz Group, the largest automobile corporation of the Russian Federation, to look into the possibility of manufacturing and assembling selected Kamaz heavy duty trucks for the Malaysian and Asean markets.

This MoU will pave the way for the feasibility and a detailed costing study as well as the models of Kamaz truck suitable for this region, said DRB-HICOM group managing director Datuk Seri Khamil Jamil in a statement yesterday.

DRB-HICOM group director of automotive Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said in the same statement that the commercial vehicle market had been showing positive growth and there was a demand for good quality durable trucks not only in the Malaysian market but also in right-hand drive markets like Indonesia and Thailand. Both parties are optimistic of starting production in the next eight to 12 months, said Nik Hamdam.