In a strategic move to advance electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Uzbekistan, BYD and Uzavtosanoat JSC (UzAuto) have selected the Uzbek province of Jizzax as the location for their new car plant. The announcement comes following BYD’s initial revelation of its plans in January 2023, and the company has already begun establishing dealerships in the country since February 2023.
The joint venture between BYD and UzAuto is poised to achieve an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with future ambitions to ramp up production significantly to 300,000 cars per year. However, specific details regarding the investment volume and project timeline remain undisclosed.
With this collaborative effort, UzAuto and BYD aim to drive the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) not only in Central Asia but also in international markets. Part of the production output from the Jizzax facility will be earmarked for export to other countries. Notably, BYD has transitioned away from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and now exclusively manufactures electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The company boasts vertical integration, producing its powertrain systems, batteries, semiconductors, motors, and motor control systems in-house.
Established in 1994, UzAuto stands as Uzbekistan’s largest producer of passenger and commercial vehicles. The company has a history of collaboration with prominent OEMs, including General Motors, Sinotruck, MAN, and Isuzu. Expanding its horizons, UzAuto has ventured into vehicle exports and, since 2020, has been operating a production facility in Kazakhstan.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has expressed a commitment to fostering the electric car industry within Uzbekistan. Local reports indicate his interest in attracting investments, including the establishment of a Volkswagen electric car plant in Jizzax, further signaling the nation’s dedication to the EV sector’s growth.
