Car assembly remains one of the fastest-growing corners of Kazakhstan's economy. Preliminary statistics released in early October by the Kazakhstan Automotive Union (KAO) put January–September output at 146,541 vehicles, 34.2% more than a year earlier. Growth accelerated in September, to 20,215 units, up 55.2% on September 2025 and roughly a third above August.
The plants
Allur in Kostanay is still the largest single producer with 56,130 units, more than a third of the national total. Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan in Almaty is second at 40,245, followed by Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan (27,305) and Kia Qazaqstan in Kostanay region (13,782). The most-produced local model is the Chevrolet Cobalt, at 27,659 units.
Chinese brands move up
By brand, Changan built 15,148 vehicles, fourth behind Chevrolet, Hyundai and Kia and the highest of any Chinese marque. Chery followed with 12,593. Haval, Jetour, JAC, Geely Galaxy and MG also made the top ten. Most of these Chinese models come off the Astana Motors line, which largely explains that plant's second-place ranking.
In presenting the figures, KAO's leadership pointed to the start of Omoda and Jaecoo production in Almaty and preparations for Li Auto assembly in Kostanay, both covered earlier on this site. According to Toppress and regional media, Saran Machinery, a joint venture with SINOTRUK in Saran, is getting ready to build HOWO trucks; staff training and equipment installation are under way, and no official start date has been given.
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Why it matters for Chinese companies
Assembly volumes are now large enough for component localisation to make commercial sense. Toppress reports that the industry is moving from kit assembly towards body welding and painting, and that a supplier base for wiring harnesses, interior parts and other components is forming around Allur. Chinese tier-two and tier-three suppliers may want to model the costs of local production or partnerships with Kazakh plants.
Logistics is shifting too. More cross-border cargo now consists of kits and sub-assemblies rather than finished cars, with different packaging, transport and customs requirements.
These are preliminary industry-association figures and may differ from official statistics. Investment calculations should rely on Bureau of National Statistics data and firms' own due diligence.
This article was prepared with AI assistance and checked against sources by the editors; the cover is an AI-generated illustration, not a photograph.
Sources:
- The Tenge: https://the-tenge.kz/articles/v-sentyabre-proizvedeno-20-215-avtomobilei
- Toppress.kz: https://toppress.kz/article/noviy-avtohub-centralnoi-azii-kak-kazakhstan-narastil-proizvodstvo-na-34
- Carride.ru: https://carride.ru/08/10/2026/changan-vyshel-v-lidery-sredi-kitajskih-brendov-v-kazahstane/
Key facts
- Preliminary statistics from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union show that from January to September 2026, the output of automotive products was 146541 units, up 34.2% year-on-year.
- In the first nine months, the Allur plant produced 56130 units, and the Astana Motors Almaty plant produced 40245 units.
- Changan ranked fourth among brands with 15148 units, and Chery ranked fifth with 12593 units.
- OMODA and JAECOO have already started production in Almaty, and assembly of Li Auto in Kostanay is being prepared.
- Kazakhstan is promoting a shift in car assembly from large-component assembly to complete processes such as welding and painting.
- Data from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union are preliminary statistics and may differ from the national statistics agency's methodology.
FAQ
What was Kazakhstan's car production in the first nine months of 2026?
Preliminary statistics from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union show that from January to September 2026, the country produced 146541 automotive products, up 34.2% year-on-year.
What was the output of major plants in Kazakhstan in the first nine months of 2026?
The Allur plant produced 56130 units; Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan produced 40245 units; Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan produced 27305 units; Kia Qazaqstan produced 13782 units.
How do Changan and Chery rank by output in Kazakhstan?
Changan ranked fourth among brands with 15148 units, and Chery ranked fifth with 12593 units; both roll off the line at the Astana Motors plant in Almaty.
Which localization directions should vehicle and parts companies focus on?
Kazakhstan is promoting a shift from large-component assembly to complete processes such as welding and painting, and is developing supporting capacity for wiring harnesses, interiors and other components around Allur; Chinese Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers can assess setting up operations in Kazakhstan or cooperating with local plants.
Can industry alliance production data be used directly for investment calculations?
These data are preliminary statistics of the industry alliance and may differ from the national statistics agency's methodology; investment calculations should be based on official data from the statistics agency and the company's own research.