For years, motorists in Uzbekistan were limited to purchasing cars from just two brands: Daewoo and Chevrolet, manufactured under the government-controlled UzAvtosanoat. However, recent economic liberalization measures have led to a significant transformation in the country's automotive landscape.
Earlier Daryo highlighted the remarkable changes witnessed in the past year. While Chevrolets remain a common sight on Uzbek roads, there has been a notable increase in variety. In 2023 alone, Uzbekistan imported over 73,000 vehicles, marking a substantial 2.4-fold increase from the previous year, with a total value close to $1.8 bn.
A significant driver of this diversification has been the surge in imports from Chinese automakers. Shipments from China to Uzbekistan increased more than five-fold over the period, solidifying China's dominance in the import market. In fact, nearly 80% of foreign-bought vehicles came from China in 2023, a significant rise from the previous year.
Conversely, Russia's auto sector experienced a drastic decline in exports to Uzbekistan, a trend exacerbated by economic sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has also seen remarkable growth, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noting a ten-fold increase in sales over the past three years. In 2023, 35% of vehicle imports were electric or hybrid vehicles, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable transportation.
To further support the transition to electric mobility, Mirziyoyev signed a decree mandating the installation of 2,400 charging stations for EVs within a two-year period. Additionally, new infrastructure regulations require designated facilities to be equipped with EV charging stations, signaling the government's commitment to promoting clean energy initiatives.
The influx of investors, particularly from China, has played a pivotal role in expanding Uzbekistan's automotive industry. Mirziyoyev's recent visit to the headquarters of leading Chinese automaker BYD in Shenzen marked the launch of an assembly plant for hybrid and electric cars in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce 50,000 units annually, with plans for further expansion to accommodate up to 300,000 units in the near future.
BYD joins other Chinese automakers, such as Chery Automobile, which have already established assembly plants in Uzbekistan. Roodell, a local vehicle distribution company, began assembling cars for Chery Automobile in September 2022, contributing to the diversification and growth of the country's automotive sector.
Kazakhstan
As per to reports by Statista, in 2024, the Electric Vehicles (EV) market in Kazakhstan is forecasted to achieve a revenue of $8.3 mn. It is anticipated to maintain a consistent annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 5.57%, resulting in a market volume of $10.3 mn by 2028, with unit sales expected to reach 202.00 vehicles. The volume-weighted average price of EVs in Kazakhstan is projected to be $52,000 in 2024. Comparatively, China is expected to lead globally in EV market revenue, reaching $319 mn 2024. Kazakhstan's surge in EV adoption is attributed to government incentives and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Kyrgyzstan
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands dominate the imports to Kyrgyzstan as well, but unlike in Uzbekistan where domestic demand propels sales, Kyrgyzstan serves more as a transit point for re-exporting to Russia. Between January and August 2023, Kyrgyzstan brought in 4,085 EVs from China, nearly six times the amount compared to the same period the previous year. Despite being one of the world's most polluted cities, Bishkek, along with other Kyrgyzstani cities, aims to combat pollution by incentivizing EV usage, such as offering a zero import tax rate.
Due to its geographical distance from Europe and the sanctions against Russia, China emerges as a significant supplier of vehicles for Kyrgyzstan. While Chinese cars were once associated with inferior quality, their popularity has surged in recent years. Nevertheless, Kyrgyzstan faces challenges in developing its electric charging station infrastructure. Currently, there are only around 30 charging points across the country, predominantly situated in the capital city of Bishkek. Additionally, bureaucratic obstacles slow down the expansion of charging infrastructure, with an average of 195 days required to obtain necessary permits.
Tajikistan
During the initial nine months of 2023, Tajikistan saw the importation of over 1,300 electric vehicles (EVs), including 1,300 light-duty vehicles, 4 buses and minibuses, 9 electric trucks, and 2 electric forklifts. This represents a notable surge compared to the 767 EVs imported throughout the entirety of 2022.
The increase in EV imports is in line with Tajikistan's aspirations outlined in the "Electric Transport Development Program for 2023-2027." The nation aims to raise the proportion of electric vehicles to 20-30% of the total number of imported cars in the forthcoming years. The program encompasses strategies to bolster imports, enhance charging infrastructure, and fortify the electric transport sector as a pivotal component of the national economy.
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