The Automotive Market of Central Asia Shows Steady Growth

Central Asia is gaining increasing importance for the global automotive industry — both as a sales market and as a manufacturing hub. Chinese brands are steadily strengthening their positions in the region. The expansion of production capacities and transport corridors reinforces the region’s role as a strategic bridge between East and West.

With a population exceeding 80 million people, Central Asia ranks among the most promising emerging markets. Kazakhstan is the largest automotive market in the region — in 2023, about 200,000 new vehicles were registered in the country, a 60% increase compared to the previous year.

The country is actively developing local manufacturing. The Allur Group plays a key role in the industry — its plant in Kostanay produces Chevrolet, JAC, Kia, Jetour, and Skoda , vehicles, with local production already covering around 70% of domestic demand. The industry benefits from tax incentives, duty-free imports of components, and partnerships with Chinese manufacturers.

The expansion of the Central Transport Corridor and the development of rail connections with China are creating new opportunities for trade and logistics, simplifying the import of vehicles and the export of local products to Asian and European markets.

China continues to invest actively in the region, viewing it as a strategically important direction. Sanctions against Russia and shifts in global supply chains have further strengthened the role of Chinese manufacturers. Kazakhstan is becoming a key hub for re-export and parallel import of vehicles, connecting European and Asian markets.

The market is also showing strong growth in the electric vehicle segment. According to KazStat, as of early 2024, there were about 8,000 electric cars in the country — nearly ten times more than a year earlier.

Assembly plants of Hyundai, Chevrolet, and KAMAZ operate in Kazakhstan, and localization continues to increase. These developments confirm that Central Asia is becoming an important player on the global automotive map.

Automechanika Astana 2026 will bring together leading representatives of the automotive industry to discuss current trends and growth strategies.

The exhibition will strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a central platform for the development of the regional automotive market.