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Kazakhstan Automotive Industry: 2024 Results

In 2024, 147,431 units of vehicles of all types were produced in Kazakhstan, with 189.8 billion tenge invested in production during the year.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the total value of vehicles produced in 2024 was 1.9 trillion tenge, compared to 149,753 units worth 1.83 trillion tenge in 2023 (-1.6%). Despite a slight decline in production volumes, the automotive industry remains a key driver of Kazakhstan's mechanical engineering sector, accounting for 41% of the industry from January to December 2024.

Investments and Development

Investments in automobile production reached 189.8 billion tenge in 2024, more than 20 times higher than five years ago and a 475.2% increase compared to 2023. This growth is attributed to upgrading existing facilities and constructing two new plants in Almaty and Kostanay. Additionally, joint ventures for the production of automotive components began operations in Almaty's industrial zone, alongside the launch of a tire plant in Saran, Karaganda Region.

Anar MAKASHEVA, President of the Kazakhstan Automotive Industry Association (ҚАО), stated:

"The automotive industry is actively investing, with most investments being domestic—both self-funded and borrowed—alongside foreign investments from global manufacturers launching operations in Kazakhstan. The growing production of vehicles using a semi-knockdown assembly method makes the industry increasingly attractive for component manufacturers. The goal is to increase production volumes and involve small and medium-sized businesses. Around large enterprises, there is a need to create an ecosystem of SMEs capable of producing parts for both assembly lines and the secondary market. Major investment projects are expected to launch in 2025."

Positive Impact on Employment

The industry has significantly contributed to the job market, creating hundreds of new jobs. The workforce at the eight existing automotive enterprises increased to 6,500 people, and considering multiplier effects, including related industries and dealership employees, this figure exceeds 50,000 workers.

Production Breakdown in 2024

Passenger cars continued to dominate production with 133,978 units (-0.1%), while the output of:

  • Trucks totaled 7,705 units (-22.2%)
  • Buses reached 2,942 units (-6.1%)
  • Trailers and semi-trailers amounted to 2,141 units
  • Other specialized machinery accounted for 665 units

Performance by Manufacturer

According to ҚАО data, the Kostanay-based Allur (SaryarkaAutoProm) plant produced 90,515 units in 2024 (+0.3%), including passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Other major contributors include:

  • Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan (Almaty): 45,410 passenger cars (-7.1%)
  • SemAZ (Semipalatinsk): 4,271 commercial vehicles (+12.8%)
  • QazTehna (Saran, Karaganda Region): 1,576 commercial vehicles (-12.5%)
  • KAMAZ Engineering (Kokshetau): 1,524 trucks (+15.5%)
  • Hyundai Trans Almaty: 796 commercial vehicles (-18.9%)
  • Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan (Semey): 537 units (-11.8%)
  • UralskAgroRemMash: 105 specialized machinery (-14.6%)
  • Others: 2,697 units

Top Passenger Car Brands (Including Exports)

  1. Hyundai: 45,364 units
  2. Chevrolet: 39,349 units
  3. Kia: 24,111 units
  4. Jac: 13,682 units
  5. Jetour: 11,305 units

Most Produced Models in 2024

  • Chevrolet Cobalt: 33,843 units
  • Hyundai Tucson: 21,881 units
  • Kia Sportage: 9,192 units
  • Hyundai Elantra: 8,022 units
  • Jetour X70: 5,259 units

The year 2024 highlighted the resilience and growth potential of Kazakhstan's automotive industry, setting the stage for significant advancements in 2025.