German automaker Volkswagen is officially entering the Uzbek market, according to Martin Sander, Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, who shared the news on LinkedIn.
Volkswagen plans to launch semi-knockdown (SKD) assembly operations in Uzbekistan in partnership with Alyans Auto, a subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat. The contract between the two parties has already been signed in Uzbekistan.
The auto giant intends to offer Uzbek consumers eight sedan models. Sander described Volkswagen’s entry into the market as a strategic expansion.
«The strength of the brand resonates with Uzbekistan’s growing middle class, which we know is looking for high-quality German vehicles,» Sander added.
Alyans Auto will serve as Volkswagen’s local partner in the venture.
Volkswagen had previously planned to enter the Uzbek market through its Russian subsidiary. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the company exited the Russian market. The initial plan had been to assemble vehicles at the Jizzakh Free Economic Zone.
Founded in 1937, Volkswagen is one of the world’s leading automakers and is known for models like the Golf, Passat and Beetle. The company also owns brands including Audi, Porsche and Škoda.
Kursiv Uzbekistan previously reported that a BYD car gifted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was later passed on by recipient Islom Tukhtakhojaev to a teammate.
