News Alert: Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan — July 2026
GRATA International specialists have prepared the July 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 July 2026:
Xiaomi and the new SkyNomad (Pengcheng) sub-brand
Xiaomi announced the launch of its new sub-brand SkyNomad (Pengcheng) and released the first teasers of its debut vehicle - the N90, a full-size crossover equipped with an EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) hybrid powertrain.
The N90 is positioned as an intelligent vehicle with a spacious, transformable interior designed to provide exceptional comfort for family travel.
GAC relaunches under Allur with the new S7 hybrid crossover
The GAC brand officially relaunched in Kazakhstan under Allur. During the brand presentation, the company unveiled, among other models, the new flagship S7 hybrid crossover assembled in Kazakhstan.
China plans to bring back physical buttons in cars
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology drafted a new national standard that would require automakers to restore physical buttons for a number of essential vehicle functions.
If approved, the standard will come into effect on July 1, 2027. The changes will apply not only to Chinese brands but also to foreign automakers selling cars in the Chinese market.
Two border crossing points between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to operate 24/7
The corresponding law was signed by the President of Kazakhstan. Under the document, the "Syrdarya - Malik" and "Tselinny - Ok Oltin" border crossing points will be upgraded from bilateral to international status and will operate around the clock.
The "Tselinny - Ok Oltin" crossing will be open to passenger cars, empty trucks, as well as vehicles transporting oversized and heavy cargo.
The "Syrdarya - Malik" crossing will be open to passenger cars and empty trucks. However, commercial freight transportation through this crossing will still not be permitted.
Chinese-built Volkswagen models officially coming to Kazakhstan
Volkswagen is abandoning its long-standing "Made in China - for China" strategy. Cars produced by the FAW-Volkswagen and SAIC Volkswagen joint ventures will officially enter Central Asian markets, including Kazakhstan, for the first time.
In June 2026, FAW-Volkswagen completed the certification of three models for the Kazakhstan market: the Volkswagen Magotan, which will be sold under the Passat name, as well as the Volkswagen Tayron L and the Jetta VS7.
Changan among the top three in the automotive market
According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union, 2,565 Changan cars were sold in June 2026. The brand has ranked third in sales among all automakers in the country for two consecutive months.
As stated by representatives of the company, strong sales have been driven by several popular models. For the second consecutive month, the Changan CS55 Plus ranked third among Kazakhstan's best-selling vehicles, while the Changan CS35 MAX held fourth place.
Full edition:
