Kazakh domestic carmakers increase sales 43.2 percent

Kazautoprom Union of Auto Companies published January’s results of new motor car and light commercial vehicle sales. Kazakh customers purchased 3,122 cars spending $73.9 million, a 43.2-percent increase compared to last year. Industry activity is tied to the growth of oil prices and strengthening of the tenge, said board chair Oleg Alferov.

“The position of local manufactures has consolidated and is on a stable course nowadays. January was marked by 40 percent of consumers who gave preference for models produced in the country,” he said. “Additional financing of the lax credit programme provided attractive conditions for purchasing Kazakh cars.”

Residents of Almaty city bought 745 cars, followed by Astana (517 units) and Kostanai (278). He noted participants in the lax credit programme purchased 99 cars, or 7.4 percent of sales.

According to the report, domestic car production reached 2,105 units, increasing 3.6 times compared to same period last year to 12.1 billion tenge (US$37.8 million). The firm said car manufacturing grew 3.7 times producing 2,041 units, with 52 light commercial vehicles and two specialised vehicles, while reducing bus production from seven units to one.

The union’s 10-month contribution to the national GDP was 12.1 billion tenge (US$37.8 million), while investments in main capital reached 11.6 million tenge (US$36,300). Alferov said Kazautoprom market shares are up to 41 percent, as two in five Kazakhs chose domestic enterprises.

“Kazautoprom’s contribution to the GDP grew by 2.4 times and twice exceeded similar figures for light industry and pharmaceutical industries amid the 4-percent growth of the Kazakhstan economy,” he added.

Kazautoprom noted the most in-demand domestic brands are Lada (763 units), KIA (128), Hyundai (125), Ravon (96) and Chevrolet (46). The list also includes JAC, Skoda, Peugeot and SsangYong.

Lada Granta, Lada 4×4, Lada Largus and Lada Vesta have become the number one sellers, followed by Ravon Nexia, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Niva and Hyundai Elantra.

Asia Auto, the largest dealer group on the market, sold 915 cars or 68.3 percent of domestic sales. Saryarkaautoprom took 24.4 percent of the market, knocking Semaz and Hyundai Trans Auto off the top.

Kazautoprom, founded by representatives of the domestic car industry, accounts for more than 74 percent of its output. The union is a member of the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) representing the global auto industry to drive economic progress.

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