Vehicle production in Kazakhstan increased by 36.8% year-on-year in January-March 2026, according to data from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU).

KAU reported that 45,260 units were produced in the first three months of the year, including passenger cars, trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers. In March alone, output reached 17,462 units, up 42.8% compared to the same month last year and 19.9% higher than in February.

In value terms, total automotive output amounted to approximately $1.2 billion, representing a 27.5% increase year-on-year. The sector’s share of the overall machinery industry rose to 43.1%, up from 39.7% a year earlier.

“Based on the results of the first three months, Kazakhstan’s auto industry is demonstrating steady growth,” said KAU President Anar Makasheva. “The continued strong performance in March confirms positive trends in the sector. Significant growth has also been recorded in the auto components segment: over three months, production of automotive parts and accessories reached 259.8 billion tenge, increasing fourfold compared to the same period last year. Manufacturers will continue to accelerate growth in this segment.”

Passenger cars continue to account for the largest share of output. During the reporting period, 42,115 units were produced, up 37.9% year-on-year. Truck production reached 1,380 units (+16.7%), buses totaled 750 units (+73.2%), and trailers and semi-trailers reached 904 units (+21%). Output of special-purpose vehicles declined to 111 units.

The Kostanay-based Allur plant remained the industry leader, producing 14,234 vehicles. Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan in Almaty produced 12,778 units, while Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan manufactured 10,755 vehicles. The Kia Qazaqstan plant produced 4,640 units.

Other manufacturers include QazTehna (806 units), SemAZ (627 trucks), Hyundai Trans Almaty (196 units), Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan (148 units), and KAMAZ-Engineering (135 units).

Among the most popular brands produced in Kazakhstan were Hyundai (10,725 vehicles), Chevrolet (8,341), Kia (5,084), Changan (4,102), Haval (4,099), Chery (3,744), Jetour (2,250), Geely Galaxy (1,388), JAC (979), and Tank (833).

The increase in output continues last year’s trend, when Kazakhstan set a record by producing more than 171,000 vehicles in 2025.

The administration of Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region has signed a memorandum of cooperation with China’s Snow Valley Agricultural Group Co. Ltd. to implement a major investment project focused on potato processing, regional authorities have announced.

The document outlines plans to establish a modern agro-industrial complex with an annual processing capacity of between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes. The agreement was signed by regional governor Asain Baikhanov and representatives of the Chinese side, Wang Dengshe and Zhang Fan.

The project is aimed at producing high value-added products. It includes the construction of a research and breeding center for potato cultivation and seed production, the launch of French fries manufacturing, and the development of storage, logistics, and distribution infrastructure.

Total investment is estimated at between $100 million and $200 million. Regional authorities expect the project to create a full production and supply chain, reduce the shortage of deep-processing capacity in agriculture, and generate new jobs.

“The regional administration is ready to support initiatives aimed at creating high-tech, high value-added production,” Baikhanov said.

Founded in 2007 in Zhangjiakou, China, Snow Valley is a vertically integrated agro-industrial holding covering the entire production cycle from potato breeding and cultivation to deep processing. The company processes more than 800,000 tonnes of raw materials annually, including over 400,000 tonnes of frozen products. Its total storage capacity reaches 700,000 tonnes.

The company is also engaged in breeding programs and has developed more than 80 potato varieties. Its production utilizes advanced technologies, including pulsed electric field (PEF) systems, which improve product quality and reduce oil consumption.

Snow Valley exports its products to more than 40 countries. Following the visit, Chairman Wang Dengshe highlighted the strong potential of Pavlodar region and confirmed the company’s interest in long-term cooperation.

“The Chinese company has confirmed its readiness to implement the project using modern technologies and local resources, while the regional administration has pledged comprehensive support, including infrastructure development, provision of resource bases, and administrative assistance,” the regional press service said.

The project comes amid previous restrictions on potato exports. Kazakhstan earlier introduced a temporary ban on shipments outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) due to rising domestic prices. In autumn 2025, authorities also did not rule out reinstating such measures, although the market currently remains stable.