In November 1958, an event occurred at the Minsk Automobile Plant that largely predetermined its further development: samples of MAZ-500 and MAZ-503 cars were assembled, which were to replace the cars of the first family - MAZ-200. But the path to new machines was not easy. It took both time and effort. Ahead were also complex technical solutions, comprehensive tests of the equipment being created, and the reconstruction of production. However, all these tasks were within the power of the factory workers. On December 31, 1965, the last car of the first MAZ family, the MAZ-205 dump truck, left the main conveyor and took its place on the pedestal of the monument to the first MAZs. The plant has completely switched to the production of MAZ-500 family vehicles, successfully increasing their production. In 1966, the first award appeared on the banner of the enterprise - the Order of Lenin, and in 1971 - the Order of the October Revolution.