News Alert: Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan — September 2026
GRATA International specialists have prepared the September 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 September 2026:
Astana Motors to localize auto component production with Youngsan Glonet
Astana Motors and South Korea’s Youngsan Glonet will invest $4.7 million in localizing the production of automotive seat upholstery and exhaust system components in Almaty. Upholstery production is scheduled to start in Q4 2026, followed by exhaust silencers in Q1 2027. Initially, the products will be supplied for the Hyundai Tucson, and starting in 2028, for Chery, Changan, and GWM automobiles as well.
Hybrid Geely Monjaro EM-i to launch in Kazakhstan
Production of the all-wheel-drive Geely Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid is planned for localization in Kostanay. The model features a hybrid powertrain delivering up to 340 hp and an electric-only range of up to 130 km. The crossover passed certification in Kazakhstan and obtained vehicle type approval (OTTS).
Changan CS75 Pro production to be localized in Kazakhstan
The three-row CS75 Pro crossover will join the Changan lineup in Kazakhstan, with production to be localized at the AMMKZ plant in Almaty. The model is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 181 hp. The sales launch date and trim levels have not been disclosed.
Changan UNI-S to launch in Kazakhstan
The new Changan UNI-S, previously known as CS55 Plus, will enter the Kazakhstan market. The model passed certification and obtained vehicle type approval (OTTS), and its production will be localized at the AMMKZ plant in Almaty. The crossover is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 181 hp and a seven-speed DCT. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions will be available. The sales launch date has not yet been announced.
Changan entered the top three best-selling brands in Kazakhstan
In August 2026, Changan took 3rd place in new automobiles sales in Kazakhstan, selling 2,217 cars and surpassing Kia. The brand’s sales more than doubled year-on-year. A total of 146,372 new cars were sold in the country between January and August, up 2.3% compared with the same period of the previous year.
Kazakhstan restricted electronic vehicle passport issuance for certain automobiles imported by individuals
From September 26, 2026, restrictions applied to electronic vehicle passport (EVP) issuance for certain automobiles over five years old imported by individuals. Eligibility depends on the car’s origin and documentation. An EVP with “incomplete” status prevents initial registration.
It was also proposed to introduce the Euro 5 standard and a five-year age limit on cars for personal imports, and to require registration solely in the importer’s name.
Next-generation Hyundai Tucson to be produced in Kazakhstan
Astana Motors and Hyundai Motor Company signed an agreement to manufacture the next-generation Tucson at the Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan plant in Almaty. Production is scheduled to begin in December 2027, with investments totaling $67 million. The project provides for completely knocked down (CKD) assembly, including body welding and painting.
Full-cycle automotive wheel manufacturing to launch in Pavlodar
ERG and Hyundai SungWoo Casting signed a memorandum to build an alloy wheel plant with the participation of Astana Motors. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028. Initial capacity will be up to 500,000 wheels per year, with expansion to 1 million. Around 200 jobs are expected to be created.
The project will integrate the full manufacturing cycle in Kazakhstan, from bauxite mining to the production of finished wheels. The products will be supplied to the domestic market and exported to Central Asia.
Passenger car production in Kazakhstan rose by 34.2%
According to the economic growth headquarters chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan produced 117,200 passenger cars between January and August 2026, up 34.2% year-on-year. Production of trucks and special-purpose vehicles also increased by 18.5%.
Kazakhstan amended the recycling fee payment procedure
Resolution No. 808 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 10, 2026, clarified the deadlines for obtaining a certificate of payment of the recycling fee. Individuals importing automobiles for personal use must obtain the certificate before the car is released into free circulation, i.e. during customs clearance.
LEPAS announced its model lineup for Kazakhstan
Chery Group’s premium sub-brand Lepas announced its entry into the Kazakhstan market through distributor Orbis Auto with a lineup of three hybrid crossovers: the L4, L6 and L8. All automobiles are built on the new LEX intelligent platform and fully adapted to local climate and road conditions. The company promised to reveal the exact trim levels closer to the start of sales.
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