Minsk Automobile Plant determined to preserve its bus markets overseas in 2009, said MAZ Director General Nikolai Kosten.
According to him, the major challenge all manufacturers are facing now is how to sell their products. The global financial crisis has seriously injured car industry across the globe. The purchasing capacity has shrunk. As for Minsk Automobile Plant, the crisis hit the sales of heavy-duty trucks most, while the bus production remains stable.
In 2008, MAZ buses advanced to new markets, including , and . Apart from that, the sales of Belarusian buses to , and increased, MAZ Director General said.
In 2009, MAZ buses were exported to , , , and other countries, all in all, about 100 buses were exported. Nikolai Kosten underlined that usually export grows in H2, after all budget procedures are complete.
In 2009, MAZ intends to preserve a sales pattern established in 2008: about 35-40% of buses are to be sold abroad, half of which to non-CIS states.
Bus production at MAZ was established in 1992. At present the enterprise manufactures municipal buses, coaches and special buses. MAZ produces 12 models and over 50 modifications of buses. The company employs 2,300 people

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