Key players in the automotive market summed up the results of 2025, discussed major trends, and identified promising areas for the industry’s development.

The press conference “Prospects for the Development of Kazakhstan’s Automotive Industry 2026: Trends and Forecasts,” organized by the “Kazakhstan Automotive Union” (KAU), brought together: Anar Makasheva, President of the “Kazakhstan Automotive Union” (KAU); Dinara Iskakova, CEO of the Orbis Auto group; Oksana Kholstinina, President of the Kazakhstan automotive company Allur; Kydyrolla Zhumagulov, Deputy General Director of “SemAZ” LLP; and Beknur Nesipbayev, CEO of Astana Motors.

Renewing the country’s vehicle fleet is the key objective the KAU will focus on in 2026.          

“Renewing Kazakhstan’s vehicle fleet is an issue of environmental protection and road safety. New, modern, technologically advanced vehicles with a warranty and at affordable prices for Kazakhstanis are a priority task we are addressing together with leading players in the auto industry. To achieve this, we are localizing the production of automobile components, which in turn helps curb price growth for vehicles. At the same time, the issue of vehicles imported in violation of the law remains relevant. Solving this problem is critically important for protecting citizens’ rights, lives, and health and requires decisive measures”, – noted the President of KAU.

According to analysts from KAU and the Bureau of National Statistics (BNS), annual growth in new car sales in Kazakhstan is 5-15%.

Over the 12 months of 2025, the volume of new vehicle sales by official representatives of manufacturers totaled 234,852 units (imports and domestic production), which is 14.4% higher compared to January-December 2024. Thus, for the second year in a row, Kazakhstan’s new vehicle market has exceeded 200,000 units sold. The share of domestically produced vehicles sold in 2025 was 69%. The statistics show Kazakhstan citizens willingness to purchase and renew their cars, strong interest in global brands, and an even stronger preference for models produced at Kazakhstan’s plants.

As of September 1, 2025, the ratio of vehicles in the country was 291 units per 1,000 people, while in leading countries it reaches up to 500 units per 1,000 people. The share of vehicles older than 20 years is over 41%. One of the sector’s priorities is renewing Kazakhstan’s vehicle fleet.

Protecting citizens from fraudulent schemes, restraining price growth for popular models through component localization, and ensuring warranties for vehicles and original spare parts from official dealers constitute an effective set of measures to renew the fleet.

In addition, one tool to “rejuvenate” the fleet is special financing programs offered by official dealers. According to Dinara Iskakova, CEO of Orbis Auto, the key trend for 2026 will be the rationalization of demand.

“With the share of credit transactions exceeding 70%, a car is increasingly becoming a multi-year financial decision. Buyers assess not only the price, but the total cost of ownership – financing terms, the monthly payment, and future expenses. In 2026, this calculation-driven logic will define the structure of demand”, – said Dinara Iskakova.

All fleet renewal tools are the result of systematic work. “Investment plans, dealer network development, warranties, and service represent responsible development. We will continue to follow these priorities”, – said Kydyrolla Zhumagulov, Deputy General Director of “SemAZ”.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the consumer price index for new passenger cars in December 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year was: 105.4% for all new cars (domestic and imported), meaning a 5.4% price increase. At the same time, price growth for domestically produced new cars was 1.9%.

“Localization of production helps reduce the cost of vehicles and increases their affordability for buyers”, – said Beknur Nesipbayev. Following the launch of the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan multi-brand plant in September 2025, Astana Motors announced price reductions of 7–15% for Chery, Changan, and Haval vehicles, depending on the model. In January 2026, dealerships across the country continue to offer various promotions and special deals when purchasing a new vehicle. All of this encourages Kazakhstan citizens to renew their cars.

Industry leaders also presented forecasts for new vehicle sales and production in 2026. To achieve their goals, each company is paying special attention to human capital development.

“2025, declared the Year of Working Professions, once again underscored the importance of restoring the prestige and quality of engineering specialties. For our industry, this is a matter of technological sovereignty, since CKD production, robotics, and global brand standards require highly qualified personnel. Last year, more than four thousand employees and students completed training at Allur’s corporate university. We will continue expanding educational programs and deepening cooperation with universities and colleges. Our goal is not only to produce vehicles, but to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem in Kazakhstan”, – commented Oksana Kholstinina, President of the Kazakhstan automotive company Allur.