Uzbekistan is Central Asia's largest and most mature automotive market. 2024 new car sales exceeded 400,000 units, with BYD ranking third at 17,000 units and Chery fourth at 7,500. The UzAVTO-BYD joint venture for NEV production marks a key step in Chinese brands' localization strategy in Central Asia.
Market Overview
Uzbekistan is the earliest car-producing nation in Central Asia with the most developed automotive supply chain. Key characteristics:
- Vehicle parc: ~4.4 million units
- Annual sales: 300,000-400,000 units
- Local giant: UzAuto Motors holds 88% market share, Chevrolet brand at 353,730 units
- Import structure: 2024 passenger car imports exceeded 80,000 units valued at $1.27 billion; EVs and hybrids surpassed ICE vehicles for the first time at 55.7% of import value
Chinese Brand Performance
2024 Uzbekistan brand rankings:
- Chevrolet: 353,700 units (local brand, 88% share)
- Kia: 19,400 units
- BYD: 17,000 units (all EVs)
- Chery: 7,500 units
- Haval: 3,300 units
Jan-Apr 2025: BYD 5,953 units, Chery 2,633 units, Haval 2,127 units. Chinese brands are rapidly closing the gap with Korean brands.
Local Manufacturing: UzAVTO-BYD JV
UzAuto, Uzbekistan's state-controlled automotive group, partnered with BYD to establish the UzAVTO-BYD joint venture focusing on NEV and component production. This collaboration allows Chinese automakers to bypass import tariffs and directly access the Central Asian core market.
Chery, Changan, and Haval are also accelerating local assembly and dealer network development in Uzbekistan, shifting from CBU exports to localized manufacturing.
Policy Advantage: Zero Import Duty
Kazakhstan's zero import tariff policy for BEVs and EREVs continues through 2026, covering both corporate and individual imports without quota restrictions. Compared to quota-based incentives in other EAEU members, Kazakhstan's policy offers greater stability, directly amplifying the price competitiveness of Chinese extended-range and pure-electric models.
Perspective for Overseas Buyers
For buyers seeking Chinese vehicle sources, Uzbekistan serves as an ideal window to observe Chinese brand performance in Central Asia. BYD's success here validates product reliability in high-temperature, dusty environments. The competitive landscape shows Chinese brands' clear advantages in pricing, specifications, and NEV technology. EX1000.COM recommends tracking Central Asian policy changes and sales data to capture import opportunities.
