Tapping into a growth market: Volkswagen models now also available in Uzbekistan
Volkswagen expands into Uzbekistan, launching vehicle sales through a China-based export model and planning local production to meet rising demand in Central Asia’s fastest-growing automotive market.
Volkswagen announced the market launch of its brands in Uzbekistan, marking the first time the company is managing an export market entirely from China. The initiative was unveiled at a forum in Tashkent attended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Volkswagen China CEO Robert Cisek. Steinmeier highlighted the significance of Volkswagen’s presence in the country during the event. The expansion aligns with Volkswagen’s strategy to target high-growth regions globally, leveraging its manufacturing base in China to introduce competitive vehicles efficiently.
Uzbekistan’s automotive market has grown rapidly, with vehicle demand more than doubling since 2021 to over 461,000 units projected for 2025. Volkswagen plans to capitalize on this growth by expanding its dealer network, aiming for 13 sales locations by the end of the year and nearly doubling that number by 2028. The initial lineup includes models such as the Tiguan L Pro, Passat Pro, Teramont Pro, and vehicles from the Jetta brand, targeting diverse customer segments in the region.
To further strengthen its foothold, Volkswagen will establish local production in partnership with Alyans Auto. A semi-knocked down (SKD) facility is scheduled to begin operations later this year in Tashkent, the capital. This move follows the company’s broader plan to enhance its international footprint by evaluating additional growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the CIS region, and selected African markets as part of its long-term strategy.
Martin Sander, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, emphasized the importance of developing new markets as a key pillar of the brand’s global sales strategy. He noted that entering Uzbekistan allows Volkswagen to access a dynamic growth region while utilizing its robust industrial setup to make technologically advanced vehicles available to new customer groups in Central Asia.