200,000 jobs under threat.

[G-CPTN]

Russia's largest manufacturer of cars, Avtovaz, could have to file for bankruptcy because of a collapse in sales and massive debts.

The city of Tolyatti (Togliatti) Avtozavodsky in Russia exists solely because of the presence of AvtoVAZ ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AvtoVAZ ) and is where the Lada is built - except that they aren't as they can no longer sell them any more.

No production has taken place for months and workers (and suppliers) haven't been paid (suppliers have received IOUs).

In October 2008, the company was reported to possess over 100,000 unsold units, and desperately needed money to repay short-term debts. On March 31, the value of AvtoVAZ shares jumped by almost 30 percent, due to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's proclaimed determination to support the auto giant. Putin paid a visit to Togliatti, expressed his approval of the management for not initiating massive layoffs, and promised more than $1 billion in loans, cash, and guarantees, but this has apparently run out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7962674.stm

Latest news:- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8317648.stm

Whilst Lada is not directly related to commercial vehicles, it is a sign that the global vehicle economy is in serious trouble.
The collapse of AvtoVAZ will result in 100,000 direct workers being unemployed and the associated support industries and local businesses failing.
I remember when there were tens of thousands of car workers at a UK factory and this supported numerous other small traders selling newspapers, fast food and DIY materials (as well as banks, betting shops and much more).
Once the industry closes (as happened to the collieries and the Tyneside shipyards) the area dies rapidly as there are no customers for the entrepreneurs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lada