Almaty (TDI): Kazakhstan’s automotive industry achieved a historic milestone in 2025, producing more than 171,000 vehicles, an increase of nearly 18% compared with 2024, according to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU).
A total of 171,144 vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, and trucks, were manufactured last year, with an estimated value exceeding $4.5 billion. By comparison, 145,290 vehicles were produced in 2024, valued at approximately $3.7 billion.
KAU stated that the sector now accounts for about 8% of Kazakhstan’s total manufacturing industry and holds a 41.7% share within the mechanical engineering sector, reflecting the growing significance of the automotive industry in the country’s economy.
Investments in the sector reached $224 million in 2025, funding facility modernization, acquisition of new equipment, and the launch of component manufacturing enterprises. New production plants in Almaty and Kostanay, including Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan and Kia Qazaqstan, contributed to job growth, raising sector employment to 11,153 workers.
Passenger cars dominated production, with output rising 19% to 158,944 units, while commercial vehicles—trucks and buses, totaled 12,200 units, up 8% from the previous year. The Allur plant in Kostanay produced 92,100 passenger cars and trucks, a 1.8% increase, while Kia Qazaqstan, which began operations in late 2025, manufactured 2,885 vehicles in just three months.
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Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan in Almaty increased production by 14.6%, producing 52,040 passenger cars, and Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan produced 15,180 cars within four months of launch.
Production among commercial vehicle makers was mixed. SemAZ in Semey produced 3,728 units, down 5.3%, while QazTehna in Saran boosted output by 69.1%, manufacturing 2,665 vehicles. KAMAZ Engineering in Kokshetau produced 1,426 trucks, down 6.4%, Hyundai Trans Almaty made 754 vehicles, Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan assembled 341 buses, and Uralskagromash produced 25 specialized units.
KAU President Anar Makasheva highlighted growing confidence among auto component manufacturers, increased investment, and stronger domestic demand for Kazakh-made vehicles. She said the sector’s priorities moving forward include increasing localization and further expanding the production base, according to The Times of Central Asia.
Experts say Kazakhstan’s record automotive output reflects broader trends in industrial diversification, investment in manufacturing infrastructure, and rising consumer demand for locally produced vehicles. The growth is expected to support employment, technology transfer, and regional economic development.
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Analysts also note that continued expansion of the automotive sector could enhance Kazakhstan’s position in Central Asia as a hub for vehicle assembly and automotive exports, while strengthening ties with international manufacturers and investors.
The record production underscores the country’s long-term industrial ambitions, with policymakers and industry leaders emphasizing sustainable growth, innovation, and modernization as key drivers for the sector in the coming years.
