Volkswagen could launch production in Uzbekistan - presidential website

TASHKENT. May 20 (Interfax) - Volkswagen plans to launch production in Uzbekistan.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to develop the automotive industry, expand production capacities, and enhance the sector's competitiveness, according to a statement posted on Mirziyoyev's website.

The presentation included information on the Volkswagen vehicle production project. According to the plan, the first stage involves launching large-scale assembly operations in Tashkent. The next stage will focus on establishing a full production cycle in the Angren Free Economic Zone, increasing the level of localization, and entering foreign markets.

In recent years, Uzbekistan's automotive industry has entered a completely new stage of development focused on competition and consumer interests, according to the presentation. Whereas a decade ago the automotive market was associated with a single manufacturer and long queues, today five automobile plants operate in cooperation with major brands such as Chevrolet, BYD, KIA, and Hyundai.

The auto components market was identified as another major opportunity for the industry.In this regard, particular attention was given to regulating the components market, increasing the share of locally produced goods, improving the certification system, and establishing modern testing laboratories. A task was set to develop, by the end of 2026 and with the involvement of international consulting companies, a strategy for the development of the automotive spare parts market.

JSC Uzavtosanoat, which unites Uzbekistan's automotive enterprises, was established in 2004. The company includes more than 20 enterprises, the largest being UzAuto Motors, SamAvto LLC which manufactures buses and trucks using the Isuzu chassis, and MAN Auto Uzbekistan, which produces heavy-duty trucks.