News Alert: Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan — August 2026
GRATA International specialists have prepared the August 2026 edition of the monthly News Alert: Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan.
This edition highlights the following updates and key developments in the Automotive Sector of Kazakhstan within August 2026:
Control over automotive laboratories in Kazakhstan was strengthened
Kazakhstan strengthened control over laboratories that inspect imported vehicles for the issuance of a Certificate of Vehicle Construction Safety (SBKTS).
During inspections, laboratory equipment and the testing process itself are now photographed and video-recorded to confirm that the tests are actually carried out and to prevent the use of “temporary” equipment.
Kia returned to the top three in Kazakhstan
Kia, as part of Allur, once again ranked among the best-selling automotive brands in Kazakhstan. Based on July 2026 results, the brand ranked third with a market share of 12.2%, while sales increased by almost 10%.
BAIC entered the Kazakhstan market with seven models and local assembly
Chinese brand BAIC officially entered the Kazakhstan market as part of Allur with seven models at once - the U5 Plus sedan, X35, X55 and X7 crossovers, and BJ30, BJ40 PRO and BJ60 SUVs.
Cars assembly was already localized at the Allur plant in Kostanay. Sales started in seven cities in Kazakhstan, while the dealer network was planned to be expanded to 10 centers by the end of 2026.
BYD in Kazakhstan: strengthening its presence and preparing for production
BYD, as part of Astana Motors, is strengthening its presence in Kazakhstan and preparing for production localization. The BYD Atto 8 model is already available from Kazakhstan dealers, while the Denza B5, B8 and other new models are expected to enter the market later.
Astana Motors plans to launch production of BYD cars in Kazakhstan in 2027.
Kazakhstan and China plan mutual recognition of driving licences
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan developed a draft agreement under which citizens of the two countries will be able to use national Category B1 driving licences and exchange them without undergoing repeated training or taking examinations. The document is currently at the draft stage and will take effect only after it is signed and the necessary domestic procedures are completed.
Kazakhstan strengthened its position in the global automotive market
Based on the results of the first seven months of 2026, Kazakhstan took 36th place in the global automotive market ranking. Registrations of new passenger and light commercial cars increased by 0.9%, while the global market declined by 2.9%.
Kazakhstan is increasing localization of automotive production
According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, domestic enterprises are transitioning to CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly, while the level of localization for certain brands currently reaches 40%. Simultaneously, the production of tyres, car seats, multimedia systems and other automotive parts is developing in Kazakhstan.
Fully electric Lexus was introduced in Kazakhstan
Lexus introduced the fully electric RZ crossover in Kazakhstan. The car is equipped with Direct4 AWD, and its driving range is up to 500 km. The RZ 500e crossover will be available in a dual-motor version.
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