News Alert: Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan — December 2025
GRATA International specialists have prepared the December 2025 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 November 2025:
ERG signs memorandums with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Construction Machinery
The memorandums are aimed at introducing advanced technologies, decarbonization, and modernization of mining and metallurgical facilities. Key areas include the electrification of mining dump trucks, modernization of sintering machines, and the use of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency.
Among the priorities are the electrification of mining haul trucks, upgrading of sintering machines, conversion of Hitachi EH4000 trucks to hybrid operation, and the deployment of AI-based tools to enhance equipment performance.
Komatsu and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to build equipment repair complex in Astana city
Komatsu, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, together with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s largest general trading and investment companies, will build a major overhaul and refurbishment complex in Astana city by 2027.
The facility is expected to become the largest specialized heavy equipment service center in Central Asia.
Yandex Qazaqstan to launch autonomous taxi project in Astana city
A memorandum of cooperation on the development of autonomous taxi services has been signed in Astana city with the participation of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akimat of the Astana city, and Yandex Qazaqstan.
The parties agreed to jointly develop and, in the future, launch an autonomous taxi service in the capital. At the current stage, efforts will focus on shaping the regulatory framework, assessing infrastructure requirements, and analyzing scenarios for integrating autonomous transport into the urban environment.
New Allur | Li Auto dealership to open in Almaty city
In February 2026, an official Allur | Li Auto dealership will open at 240A Maylina Street in Almaty city.
Allur emphasized that the partnership with Li Auto is strategic, expanding the company’s brand portfolio in the segment of modern hybrid vehicles while strengthening its contribution to the environmental agenda.
All-Wheel-Drive Škoda Octavia launched in Kazakhstan
On December 8, official sales of the updated Škoda Octavia with a 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel-drive system began in Kazakhstan. The announcement was made by Prague Auto, the official distributor of the Czech brand in the country.
The updated Octavia has received the highest possible safety rating of five stars in Euro NCAP tests.
Kazakhstan prepares roads for autonomous trucks and taxis
Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev stated that Kazakhstan is planning infrastructure for autonomous transport and is preparing to launch the first large-scale pilot projects involving autonomous trucks in 2027.
Government explains its position on the recycling fee
Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar commented on complaints from automakers who claim that the recycling fee they pay is unclear and effectively a formality, as companies transfer funds and then receive the same amount back from Zhasyl Damu.
He explained how the current scheme works:
“A manufacturer imports a vehicle kit - a car in disassembled form. Welding, painting, and final assembly are then carried out locally. When importing the components, the company pays a recycling fee — for example, 1 million tenge. After the vehicle is assembled and sold, this amount is returned to the manufacturer”.
Full edition:
